tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182544308097939612024-01-11T22:57:32.345-08:00MSquared VeloAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-50515100095384914232016-09-28T05:22:00.000-07:002016-09-28T05:22:12.161-07:00Days 89 & 90: I JUST RODE MY BICYCLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY!!!!<div><strong>Portland, OR to Clatskanie, OR to SEASIDE, OR</strong></div>
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<div><span style="color: #1f00ff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 71.4 + 52.4 = 123.8</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #1f00ff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 5,019.0**</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #1f00ff;"><strong>Average Speed: 12.7 / 12.3</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #1f00ff;"><strong>Elevation Gain: 1,576 / 1,824</strong></span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #1f00ff;"><strong>**This doesn't add up from the previous post. I must have made an error along the way but my spreadsheet has confirmed the final mileage is 5019.</strong></span></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRPf9Zc1X0s">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 89</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqfGOlaKkKY">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 90</a></div>
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<div>First let me say, sorry for taking so long to post my last two days. I spent a week in California with immediate and extended family and couldn't pull myself away from all the fun activities, conversation and love. Here I will do the usual post that you have been reading for 3 months, I will follow up with a post that will contain various stats, concluding thoughts and thank you's.</div>
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<div>Let's get to it!</div>
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<div><strong>Off Days 86, 87 & 88</strong></div>
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<div>3 days off in Seattle and Portland with my best friend, Jason, was an amazing prelude to my finale. Jason treated me like a king taking me to all his favorite restaurants. His diet, as he repeats many times a day, is meat, cheese, bread, and pasta, so it is safe to say I gained all the weight I lost back in those 3 days.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Jason" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eVmPuZGgRHL0a4TZs3GuEl7H-X3qveY9Gu4C1AFP_JlqSMqWWefUP2tWp31mDqXMiUCEyLQpIQj9r-85WGhZFV27mZoQzhQYcmDjrpstdkYAcZ4HgmFU2fcDE4o1ejj9h73oHWZHZVzR//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason!</td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Kayak" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6aWhmjgO-ZhJW8yi2OalHoAMFWLpELACX5CX-J3kh3PvxJcJRuNrVhyxGU4aVL58Xij_sbVgAneMHLPbR2nqCoixFZvbDte3J5xt5V4pZ0S8KRnqTaoBTKpLykZAUwfdGGdbaLTOMKtF//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Kayaking in Lake Washington</td>
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<div>On day 88 I spent an hour patching 4 tubes and went out to buy 2 more, installing one of the new ones as well. With all the flats I have gotten (I know you haven't forgotten), I didn't want to risk be stranded somewhere with my family waiting on the beach for me. I think 6 "fresh" tubes should do it.</div>
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<div><strong>Day 89</strong></div>
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<div>For breakfast I made some frozen Mac n' cheese Jason and I bought, but never ate, and of course a peanut butter sandwich. I made coffee with a French press for the second time in my life. I don't know if I suck at it, if the coffee sucked or because it's French, but I am not a fan of the French Press.</div>
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<div>It was great to see my tire still inflated when I rolled it out of the Airbnb. I took a deep breath, smiled, and hopped on Jasper heading toward Perkins Creek Camp Ground.</div>
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<div>Portland is fantastic to ride through. There are abundant bike lanes and bike paths that take you up and down the Willamette River complete with all types of bridges to gaze at. I crossed one of those bridges and made my way to highway 30 which would take me all the way to Astoria, OR, the start/end of the Transamerican Trail. Until then, it wasn't my favorite ride.</div>
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<div>I was hoping to be up along the Columbia River Gorge with awesome views the whole way, but I really didn't get a good view until mile 55 when I climbed a big hill in Rainer and reached an overlook. The first 55 miles was heavy traffic and a pebble filled shoulder.</div>
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<div>At the overlook, a man approached me with a sweat faded hat and grey beard to tell me how he admires all "you guys." I answered the usual questions and he continued to talk about himself. From what I gathered, he's been in prison at least twice, escaped once, was in a police chase for a DUI and he killed his brother. No I'm kidding he didn't kill his brother as far as I know, but the other stuff he did tell me.</div>
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<div>Once he stepped away, a woman came up to me with a baggie of, what tasted like gingerbread cream pie. She got them from a famous local bakery just outside Seattle and was happy to share with me. Just the pickup I needed for the final 15 miles of the day.</div>
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<div>I flew down the final hill and took a 180 to the campground. Upon arrival there were only 10 RVs in a giant field and that was it. I couldn't find an office so I called the number on the information booth and got the voicemail. I left a message saying I was going to camp under their Pavillion and to call me back to pay the 20 bucks. Yes, that's a lot for just squatting on their land and using no amenities, but I knew it would be raining <a dir="ltr">tomorrow morning</a> so I wanted guaranteed shelter. After sitting at a picnic table for 5 minutes I really was not feeling this place and the park in Clatskanie only 3 miles away looked pretty nice, I figured I'd be able to sleep in the baseball dugout that I saw on Google Maps for cover from the rain.</div>
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<div>My first taste of Clatskanie was the park. It is a large park for the size of the town and the dugouts were looking promising. If not, there was a giant skate park covered by a huge Pavillion... And if that failed, there were a few gazebos.</div>
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<div>I kept riding through the park to get the lay of the land and saw a few tents set up. I pulled up to the bulletin board and started reading the camp rules. As I am reading, a pinned piece of paper of someone looking for their lost ferret blew in the wind and unveiled a sticker. <em>The Bike Inn - Clatskanie, Oregon</em>. I went to their website to find their location, less than a quarter of a mile away, and decided to stay there before I even arrived.</div>
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<div>When I pulled in I was greeted by two cute dogs and one of the proprietors, Kris. She led me to my room which was basically my own kingdom. I walked around naked for a bit while the shower heated up and slapped Jasper on the butt for a congratulatory no flat tire day. I guess it got a little weird, but I was alone and you can pretty much do anything when you're alone.</div>
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<div>Complete with this piece of art, this was room was meant for me. I have been making animals noises for 89 days, where can I buy this?!</div>
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<div>Kris and her husband, Chris (kidding, I think it was Brian), were super friendly and had so much going on. For one, they were preparing for the Farmers market in the morning by slicing plums and two, they were fermenting grapes in four of those big plastic garbage buckets to make wine in a few months.</div>
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<div>To celebrate my final night on the trip, I enjoyed a few beers at the local Mexican restaurant and returned to The Bike Inn to sprawl out in my full size bed. Really, the beers were drank to help me fall asleep. It is sad to know this trip is ending, but I cannot wait to see my mom, dad, brother and girlfriend at Seaside <a dir="ltr">tomorrow</a>!</div>
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<div><strong>Day 90</strong></div>
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<div>This is it. The final day. As expected, it is raining. Not hard, but hard enough to be called rain and not a drizzle. Of course I have spent about 4-5 days in the rain out of 90 and one of the had to be the last day, but that's okay, nothing can bring me down... Not even a flat. Actually the would have really pissed me off, but here's a spoiler: NO FLATS TODAY!</div>
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<div>The good news is that it's not cold like it was riding into Prarie City with Wally, so I was happy enough to let freedom ring.</div>
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<div>I sung my way to Astoria complete with:</div>
<div>"Love Reign O're Me" by The Who</div>
<div>"Come Clean" by Hilary Duff</div>
<div>"Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers</div>
<div>"Fire and Rain" by James Taylor</div>
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<div>When the rain slowed a bit I topped it off with "No Rain" by Blind Melon. </div>
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<div>It really wouldn't be a day on this trip without singing or cat calling at some cows, but there were no cows to Moo at today.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Views" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyfETvLD8Qk-igBpJVBvrFlTEsAZlEdLqGtYvWqMOQyG6LCmX4nVAjBoS5F8o2rGFc5jLLduk66z1DDSpSnMaNjrddYvAK6cklIaBZqaFiLPJY-jHbzIJIKFIxOqOxURdf7P4twM9cqM0//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still got pretty views!</td>
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<div>Well this is just about it. I reached Astoria!</div>
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<div>Astoria is a beautiful town with a boardwalk and old railroad the runs along the Columbia River. Unfortunately Astoria was a little underwhelming. People were out and about as the rain stalled momentarily, but nobody seemed curious about my luggage as if they have seen thousands of people like me. Psh!</div>
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<div>I stayed in contact with my family and they told me they were an hour and a half away from the beach in Seaside. I am approximately 16 miles away which would probably get me there before them. Can't have that! So I rode around town to the local bike shop and had an espresso and donut. Even the guys at the local bike shop hardly lifted a head when I entered. They probably knew the last thing I was going to do was buy something.</div>
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<div>I checked the weather before heading back out for the FINAL 16 MILES! It said no rain, but that was a lie. I rode onto highway 101 to my last bridge of the trip. Well not really, there are a lot of small bridges along the way, but you hardly notice those. This was the last major bridge and my god it was scary. Small shoulder, high headwinds, rain and lots of cars.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Last bridge" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16MYJRnqvc3W6IGTFQftUYZBQqtry9AYB_T8tweanut3Q9Eipu1N-aWJMimF9_msnesvC-1du4XixBiXzcQEl0cT2xmCuUQsbJd0A9pRGK3cn2ALHTVpPBC2W85CkIrmfndfne5vOLdmM//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<div>I continued to battle headwinds after getting off the bridge but I really didn't care. It would slow me down, but soon I would be taking my final right turn onto 12th Ave.</div>
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<div>It is hard to explain my current emotions. It has been an incredible journey, and at this moment it has satisfied me to the core. In under an hour I am going to see my favorite people in the world cheering for me as I push my final pedals of these 5,019 miles. When people have asked me, "Are you sad the trip is ending," my response has been, "It's bittersweet. If my friends and family grabbed a bike and rode with me, I would never stop. But I miss them a lot."</div>
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<div>Many days on this trip I invisioned what it would feel like to turn that corner and see my family. I would start to get very emotional and tears would begin to surface. Tears of pure joy. Now, I don't have to daydream any longer.</div>
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<div>I texted the group chat, "El Familio" (we understand this is incorrect Spanish) consisting of the four people who are anxiously awaiting my arrival that I am 1 mile away, under 5 minutes. I threw out my right hand to signal my final turn and... I couldn't see anyone. This damn rain! </div>
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<div>A few hundred feet later there they were! Mom and Livi in ponchos, Dad and Adam in raincoats and hats all screaming for me <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">and somehow patiently standing</span> jumping up and down at the end of the street waiting for me as I rolled closer and closer.</div>
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<div>I don't feel like I am on a bike any longer. I feel like I am floating. If it weren't for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SymPVbOHvPU">the video</a>, I'd be convinced the butterflies in my stomach carried me the final 100 feet. I raised my fist into the air like a batter who just hit the walk off home run in the World Series and my family screamed even louder.</div>
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<div>For this part of the finish I always imagined myself riding right onto the beach to dip my front tire in the Pacific Ocean with my family in tow. But when I reached them, without thinking, I dropped my bike and ran into my dads arms. Seconds later I was wrapped up in a cocoon of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SymPVbOHvPU">pure ecstasy</a>. <span style="font-size: 16px; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Nothing could wipe the smiles off the five of our faces. I reached the Pacific Ocean, but instantly, I was home again.</span></div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="The dip" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhBgVykURbJKr16DY_stuhsE4iES-ggPzlUndPsayWAlYWvglA-NnShhZy1irUxIOt3cW035TnSaF3rTi83_5NqCW08rAh33hltiInUsacJz34Ro99-tPM6PyB0EU57Hu6J9-d1sxteP1//" alt="" width="421" height="750" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dip in the Pacific Ocean!</td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Woooo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sQFARLnJv2FbB0hlyOdbLQFniNu-QqJp-QBpPPLlgJrFUQIxLGkRLQ_pE3meYCzcd5ZqU523xQwxHTtMn_gMhSUhXoy21eWKLU0LllaeCFED9H9W9aiZEKoIi2s803KNpwgTS86br9ML//" alt="" width="421" height="750" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WOOOOOO!</td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Seaside" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPkH95eg-O0o13Ji0Xk46rx3ExWk4Ot6yGLgZuFa83AF6yRn6LIEgOMfQnzFyYwrje_qBWCyEBm5E-vALOJIbPWRuJPoKJwuKRuJWAY1P2Zl9ew3KUsko5g57MsyN1JEHynSUmiH8e-mc//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaside, OR with the Family!!!</td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Wally and me at seaside" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBPmjHwd_fj-QURWR62gjrST0Z7GpVKAVzZ0nDswD1cjCm42Ngqb7eJ7U42TSGAUEtGE4HJ2mPD0sxoEZFyApNIy9bRbl3nyRe9-yZdG5_KIa8LVeUI_KP_dtBV-FBxarU4S9pjKOY7et//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wally came to congratulate me!</td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Geotag" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiksf3VA61vSkzcnFcEVcPQ7SKuBnluZbuXoeOHTGH_qvd-rKVfIfAefNJHJgmqLgsf6RV8YK6BcmHblf9EYnSewNdfk7DjjJ-vSzlwd22wb0QUwiBsDyj-K4Sft4ybNSAIytAedEaqeQ//" alt="" width="421" height="750" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam hooked me up with my own geotag!!!!</td>
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<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">I have never been away from my family this long. They have been there for me through every thing I have ever done. From the home runs and errors on the baseball field, failed engineering tests and everything in between. When I spoke (pun?) of the idea of this trip, they were all behind me 100%. They would not have missed this moment for the world and they couldn't be prouder of me. Likewise, I couldn't be happier to have them on my side forever.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">If I had written this blog in a timely manner I would tell you that I am going to rest and enjoy the week traveling down the coast to San Fran with my family and then I would write my conclusion of this trip after it all sank in. But I didn't write this in a timely manner. I am already back east laying in my bed writing this blog. Still, as I said at the beginning, I will write a conclusion post as I have much more to tell you now that everything is said and done.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">Jasper made it home safely and I am going to go for a ride around Connecticut... without any panniers!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-69924518957486467372016-09-14T10:37:00.000-07:002016-09-14T10:37:19.905-07:00Days 83, 84, 85: To Portland and Beyond!<div><strong>Rainbow, OR to Albany, OR to Salem, OR to Portland, OR (to Seattle, WA via bus)</strong></div>
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<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 91.5 + 27.9 + 54.0 = 173.4</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 4,893.1</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Average Speed: 13.8 / 12.8 / 12.4</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Elevation Gain: 808 / 918 /1.346</strong></span></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-xNHM93x5Q">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 83</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-VvM-_vBdc">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 84</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBWbslS-t5s">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 85</a></div>
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<div><strong>Day <a dir="ltr" href="tel:83%20-%209/10/16">83 - 9/10/16</a></strong></div>
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<div>60 degrees my ass. It is absolutely freezing in this forest! The good news is, no bear came to eat our pop tarts and peanut butter.</div>
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<div>Wally and I desperately wanted to stay in our sleeping bags until it warmed up, but we have 88 miles to go today and needed to get a head start. We left <a dir="ltr">at 8:30</a> and it was 39 degrees.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Morning. View" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzNb_zH-t85uvFcdPdaISdJCPPrUv2p8raxzOEn_eoiA-cHDqaVuzQ1J-ez_iIbfGiAhPcnWs0S3bDHUsUB2rvP5iyldwVsS0XGnG6IvuH16NBjV_boaFzU5LV23mr2EJe1r2bGoBnhba//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning view from the tent</td>
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<div>My entire body was shivering for the first mile. My toes were already numb and my fingers also started to lose feeling. Luckily when we turned onto the main highway heading west, we got sunshine on our backs and that helped... A little.</div>
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<div>I didn't gain feeling back in my toes until mile 27. It took Wally even longer, but eventually as we reached Walterville temperatures finally rose to what can be considered warm and we ran into another parade!</div>
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<div>So a little background on the long day today. As you have read, it is all "downhill" from here. We are still coming off the final pass and closing in on the west coast. My plan is to get into Portland on the 12th where a bus will take me to my best friend, Jason, in Seattle. The 170 miles to get there could easily be split up into 56 mile days, but Week 1 of the NFL season <a dir="ltr">starts tomorrow at 10</a> PDT, so I plan to ride only 28 miles to Salem on Sunday and arrive around 10 so I can kick back, relax, eat wings, drink beer and enjoy football!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocr5PfYLKIaRw7scscId7l6ubDJdxGB1DIDhN_FD_3u0F0DSsjcQgzSrfhyphenhyphengNoINDKxMB3MnCLnifZ0WoBIRny3zwvbGKmPGaw2ijj4xFcQmSQCAZSUb_XBQ3uSQg5bIjApz_HJ7TbIID//"><img title="Dam" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocr5PfYLKIaRw7scscId7l6ubDJdxGB1DIDhN_FD_3u0F0DSsjcQgzSrfhyphenhyphengNoINDKxMB3MnCLnifZ0WoBIRny3zwvbGKmPGaw2ijj4xFcQmSQCAZSUb_XBQ3uSQg5bIjApz_HJ7TbIID//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div>Wally and I held out on lunch until we found a McDonald's at mile 52. I have been on the PBPT breakfast sandwich, tuna sandwich lunch and canned chili and Ramen dinner the last week so it was really nice to get some.... More crap in my stomach.</div>
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<div>Naturally as we exit, my rear tire is dead flat. I can't take this anymore. I simply pumped it up and told Wally I hope that holds.</div>
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<div>It held for 4 miles. Time for a change. This tube was punctured with a tiny hole, so I patched it up and threw it back on crossing my fingers like always.</div>
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<div>The tube held the rest of the day, but of course, as elevation fattened out, Oregon became an uglier Kansas and we battled headwinds the final 18 miles. Wally jumped in front of me to take on the headwinds and I drafted close behind. I was losing steam fast, but reminded myself 18 miles ain't no thaaaang.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Sheep" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpm5Zi99bIiwaNqAeKfqCVndo0lsmuER5dBkvcWAAk-0nGG3JXuqINidpBm6haRDUbJewAgcu5s3ZIJ4djJjtp8QK_hsIfpI7_Uyzn2YkpoIz7CDvRcpO-waL9US-fsV4ggHKMNMGQA2R//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baaahh</td>
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<div>We arrived at Diane's place, our Warm Showers, for the night. She and her daughter, Amber, were so welcoming and laid back. They invited us to dinner downtown and even low on budget, I decided to splurg after a tough 91 mile day (it's always a few miles further than Google says).</div>
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<div>Two beers, salty fries and a massive 8 inch tall burger later. I was happy and didn't care about this being my second burger of the day. Did Mac D's really count? To top it off, Diane wouldn't let Wally and I pay for dinner. Another amazing deed by another amazing person.</div>
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<div>I am not jaded by all these things people have done for us along the way. Each one makes me feel so grateful and is as nice as the first and the last. </div>
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<div>That night I fell asleep on their couch dreaming about Seaside and my family while the cat snuggled up next to me. It was a perfect end to my final super long day.</div>
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<div><strong>Day <a dir="ltr" href="tel:84%20-%209/11/16">84 - 9/11/16</a></strong></div>
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<div>Spoiler alert: This is mine and Wally's last ride together. I didn't know it at the time either. Wally was still unsure about his plans for the remainder of the trip and time was running out. That night at dinner he told me he would be heading Northwest toward Astoria (the official start/end of the Transam) while I made my way to Portland.</div>
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<div>So for the last ride, I followed Google Maps to our Warm Showers host, Regina, in Salem racing to get there before <a dir="ltr">10 AM</a>. Had I known it would be my last time with Wally, I would have slowed down and we could have ridden together a little more, but I guess we've done enough of that in 3 weeks and 1 day anyway.</div>
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<div>It was the perfect fall day. I know it's not fall yet, but this part of Oregon is lined with apple trees and all sorts of other trees around each turn. Not only did you get the cool crisp wind against your face and legs, but every so often a wife of apples floated into your nostrils and you know fall when you feel it. The sounds of football analysis in my ears only amplified that feeling.</div>
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<div>We arrived at Regina's just after 10 as her and her husband were working in their garden in the back yard. Actually her husband is building a shed which is where we will sleep tonight. The frame is up and the roof just completed.</div>
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<div>We said our hellos and did my best not to be rude as I left all my crap on their porch and rode my bike to Buffalo Wild Wings. Isaak (stayed with them back in Blacksburg, VA) gave me a BWW gift card and I finally get to use it! I haven't had wings in over 84 days!</div>
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<div>Football Sunday was excellent. I kicked my feet up at the bar and watched my Packers on the projector with a beer in one hand, wings in the other, and fantasy apps open on my iPad.</div>
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<div>I found Wally at Starbucks around 4-5 and we rode back to Regina's. She welcomed us with beer and a vegetarian dinner that was so excellent. I almost exploded after seconds, this time I actually had to skip dessert.</div>
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<div>Conversation at dinner was very entertaining. Regina's husband is a very funny and bright guy. We talked a lot about enjoying the moment you're in, not the destination or where you'll be in a week, but enjoying that very moment you're in. I spoke a bit about this in Council, ID as I watched the sunset. This is something I hope to take home with me; to slow down and attempt to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Manhattan... We'll see how long that last.</div>
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<div>That's when Wally told me he'd be heading a different direction <a dir="ltr">tomorrow</a>. He continued, a little bashful, and spoke of how we have become great, close friends for life. He looked up at me, our eyes met and I couldn't help to flash my biggest smile back at him in agreement. We cheers'd to that and I echoed his sentiments. The last three weeks would have been really tough if I was alone and I couldn't be happier to have had Wally by my side through all the headwinds, cold weather and of course, the flats.</div>
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<div><strong>Day <a dir="ltr" href="tel:85%20-%209/12/16">85 - 9/12/16</a></strong></div>
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<div>After an incredible organic breakfast including my first soft boiled eggs, Wally and I said our goodbyes making sure to get him on snapchat one more time. Good luck to Wally as he makes his way to the coast and figures out where/what he's doing after.</div>
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<div>I am alone again for the first time since Tabernash, CO until connecting with David and Marion in Walden.</div>
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<div>It's nice and I love it. Especially since I know I'm riding to Portland to hop on a bus to take me to Jason's house in Seattle. I don't feel lonely, only excited. This is my 3rd to last day of riding on this trip!</div>
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<div>If you have been watching my Snapchat, strap in. All those stupid things I say to Wally or David or whoever, I will now be saying to you all. </div>
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<div>I thought to myself as I rode away from Wally, <em>maybe now the flats will stop!</em></div>
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<div>The ride was very enjoyable. At times I feel like I am back in Connecticut escaping the city and surrounding myself with trees and falling leaves. Then I turn the corner and there is a cute farm and a view of the distance mountains. </div>
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<div>The enjoyment stopped as I reached the top of a small hill and felt a very hard lump in my tire. I looked down and saw my tire was flat, of course. But this time the flat felt like you were walking with a rock in your shoe. The Rock the size of a golf ball. Each rotation felt dangerous.</div>
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<div>I literally jumped off Jasper to avoid injuring the rim. I felt my heart race as I have never felt anything like this before, I didn't know what to expect.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I am glad I left early because I didn't want to miss my bus and at this point I was expecting at least one flat. <span style="color: #027000;">Matthew Michalek: Keeping the inner tube business alive since 2016.</span> I undressed Jasper and flipper her over and found the culprit.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The last few towns of Oregon have been great for bikers. Seemingly every street has a bike lane. The only problem is they don't sweep the bike lanes so there is debris everywhere. Most of the time you ride in the car lane because you are avoiding rocks and the like in the bike lane. It is almost counter productive. Cars assume you are in the bike lane which can be dangerous when you're not. And when you stay in the bike lane... You get screwed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJlLOuIAR2spd0hqO1VMwBpp6Ap0UWeh4mQF6Uqxx0pZpOQeIeX8BevmluyOfk0iYhfUDInB7A_-HyHUCv0pn4D3E60Z3JqJQoXZ-caflHG-YZsh5H6Mv2CiMCac45fJ4xacrGSHfg07E//"><img title="Screwed" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJlLOuIAR2spd0hqO1VMwBpp6Ap0UWeh4mQF6Uqxx0pZpOQeIeX8BevmluyOfk0iYhfUDInB7A_-HyHUCv0pn4D3E60Z3JqJQoXZ-caflHG-YZsh5H6Mv2CiMCac45fJ4xacrGSHfg07E//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>I had to literally unscrew the screw from my tire because pulling it with a wrench was not working. I pulled a tube out of my bag that was going flat earlier, but I never found the hole so it was not patched. I changed this tube in under 5 minutes. A new <a dir="ltr">PR. I am 8</a> miles away from Jason's friends house where I would store Jasper, please please make it 8 miles.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It made it 7 miles! I pumped the tube back up to ride the final mile. I don't care right now, I'll deal with this later. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>I made it to the drop off location and took a deep breath. Then it sunk in... On my god I made it to Portland!!!!!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu16WD4SYbVvIjAG6axVW1cFJ1-lTG98M4VEFSJDo66m9cgYCqYdciLpmRRhmVUmq1XJTq15cwUPjML4P3sFEHqT6rlCvDIOFTv34mkwQezd5fubCDaKEMohgRDKNoIKvZu6rzVokmam2//"><img title="Portlandia" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu16WD4SYbVvIjAG6axVW1cFJ1-lTG98M4VEFSJDo66m9cgYCqYdciLpmRRhmVUmq1XJTq15cwUPjML4P3sFEHqT6rlCvDIOFTv34mkwQezd5fubCDaKEMohgRDKNoIKvZu6rzVokmam2//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is pretty surreal, but it ain't over yet!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I parked my bike, took a shower, called an Uber and made my way to the bus station with a 6 pack a beers and snacks. I had no patients for a 4 hours bus ride so I watched an HBO series and enjoyed my 6 beers. Before I knew it I was in Seattle. Wow, 180 miles in 4 hours!! My mind couldn't handle that. For the rest of the day I kept thinking I was still in Oregon.</div>
<div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>Alas, the moment I have been anticipating for a few weeks now. Jason pulled up and we embraced in the middle of traffic, no f@#ks to give anyone right now.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I am enjoying the days off in Seattle with Jason and his girlfriend <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Amelia</span> Angela and their awesome cat, Amelia. This is my forth time in Seattle and it still hasn't rained. I'm starting to think the whole rain thing is a lie.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Jarmo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrNHxOp0o_VJYvNgQO87b61HeJNa3ukS-ey-H7PG4a9wp2Jekw5nE1llzpN6OfiOcodoSTb9kfkKDGUy94-xPKSYaoiFw_d1dmXt9amQ3qdp4uUd2qFL6P2nXqVclqgJqvLpTSN0T0qWk//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jarmo and Amelia</td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Ice cream Angela" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvRHOMo3bYv1U5phN5aPfiZzCuBb8ibmHwO61uDcaYC6ifILLBULnWxq2MBWXIepwZJoq4yaXn4loon3cuFzS1OM-6sRvlOD8F3pFN8BWi-foiUisFp08eeLHX6iDdyjOyk1ZtGi73_y4//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second cone in Seattle with Angela!</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Jason is driving me back down to Portland where we will spend some nights out on the town and I will reunite with Jasper... where she probably has a flat rear tire awaiting me.</div>
<div> </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Seattle" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDyw-pBQC9t84VKcseqng1y9TRo1u4osACjmSWvlMskUhH_U0qfFJ9FF31NsetE6ER0YnIQ1nnX4sj7GQCdKEzP9wYtv0CY1AQbTW85Pcix2on5ir-t3ZhsQjLzq4RAVW4GGbw0F6kO3m//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seattle, WA</td>
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<div>Then it is the last two days of riding, 116 miles to Seaside, OR!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-401219472461621592016-09-11T13:54:00.000-07:002016-09-11T14:01:12.834-07:00Day 80, 81 & 82: It's all downhill from here!<div>
<div><strong>Prairie City, OR to Mitchell, OR to Redmond, OR to Rainbow, OR</strong></div>
<div><strong> </strong></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 83.1 + 69.2 + 66.2 = 218.3</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 4,719.7</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Average Speed: 12.5 / 12.8 / 13.8</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Elevation Gain: 3,437/ 3,275 / 3,120</strong></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZYUhGLKIJg">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 80</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7xKq61QDwg">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 81</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3616Oe9h4pA">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 82</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>Day 80</strong></div>
<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div>The sun was shining over the mountains and it promised to be a nice WARM day. The son of our warm showers host works with the park service and had a bunch of non perishables that he unloaded on Wally and I. Canned fruit and chili! Dinner for a few nights, woo!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We rode down to the coffee shop which apparently sold tubes. I am still in desperate need, limping around on my last pached tube. They didn't have any for me, but we were told in 13 miles, the chamber of commerce in John Day has a little bike shop and should be able to help. I hope so, because it is day 80 and we are celebrating with 80 miles to a hostel in Mitchell, OR.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I added a bit of air to my rear tire, sucked down a donut (holler at <a dir="ltr" href="http://wheresdan.com">wheresdan.com</a>) and prayed this tube would last 13 miles.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Donut" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zU0CQWs_05t4PnHudfFZWmRMCsXjuiCnBjgocKT4nh0K-Yp8-YjW-8_ShmBHfAqN3LPqrALeEi_nXR87DxWi4Ns6xSwEUXVuEKUadhkQJdvjn2kVBGKIUs7GbQLuoNDO3TD-eWq-ufYd//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ones for Dan!</td>
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</tbody>
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</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was a gorgeous day and all downhill to John Day. We got there in 50 minutes and I bought two new tubes. Ahhhhh I can finally breath again!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7BLgymwVCh6qKsI3YIfLTqxu1gLmtQ5IY7TgT61MvDMoDFkTwy2_h50hXDVu0uRQndMq6sXclzWaASTWvmkCkZdKIC8GppWFBYwguEUUpGWE0hZgqI4U-0ZwirW4xBrDT5chN8QxsL2W//"><img title="Nice" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7BLgymwVCh6qKsI3YIfLTqxu1gLmtQ5IY7TgT61MvDMoDFkTwy2_h50hXDVu0uRQndMq6sXclzWaASTWvmkCkZdKIC8GppWFBYwguEUUpGWE0hZgqI4U-0ZwirW4xBrDT5chN8QxsL2W//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>The remainder of the ride continued to be downhill and all of a sudden we were stuffed back into some canyons. It is so fun to ride through this and gape at the towering walls of rock above.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSf3Llwr6kNRmR6Nx0qjUTBxSlCkIg8EH-sMM_7PnnFJdCcSPQiu6Y0wnB769IGhwugMzs0vhdSonxZNg944nZIyI_-wWvHoVDx9ptmqjdsjpJhjQvYcg_sXL4jifqFnjGbwi1AriDts3//"><img title="Cliffs" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSf3Llwr6kNRmR6Nx0qjUTBxSlCkIg8EH-sMM_7PnnFJdCcSPQiu6Y0wnB769IGhwugMzs0vhdSonxZNg944nZIyI_-wWvHoVDx9ptmqjdsjpJhjQvYcg_sXL4jifqFnjGbwi1AriDts3//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LSjNlQztkZoIa2yCHvlCdIuYrpspnrtF2XtlXn-8sSJaCBoIRcWI6hJgZAZod804HeM2Daq2WXQYIfZ7v_rKKl8_6egZLfq7Pbj47kC9HAYgwgEXCGnlkCPNoX0zq7_oqievNxXHdVoO//"><img title="Yesc cliffs" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LSjNlQztkZoIa2yCHvlCdIuYrpspnrtF2XtlXn-8sSJaCBoIRcWI6hJgZAZod804HeM2Daq2WXQYIfZ7v_rKKl8_6egZLfq7Pbj47kC9HAYgwgEXCGnlkCPNoX0zq7_oqievNxXHdVoO//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>After 50 miles, the gradual uphill began for the next 20 miles. The sun was beating down... Suns out guns out. I rolled up my sleeves and zipped off my jersey. Maybe I can even out this tan before I reach Seaside. It was so hot and I was so sweaty my arms were glistening with sweat. I don't think that has happened since Colorado!! I love it!!!!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMjfePJkOEnyfABz9MoMT2VuYROBvkY5mgYB2w9tSU7wMe3rCX0873Nn6aaJfxwMrhd0K8Qjf2iJ-m2STci3TAyvvzsBrbRGPZs6ffdRbaL6_hGio30vN_CkK3WYP-Jh4gv1LWEk8pID8//"><img title="Cool clouds" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMjfePJkOEnyfABz9MoMT2VuYROBvkY5mgYB2w9tSU7wMe3rCX0873Nn6aaJfxwMrhd0K8Qjf2iJ-m2STci3TAyvvzsBrbRGPZs6ffdRbaL6_hGio30vN_CkK3WYP-Jh4gv1LWEk8pID8//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Now we are a few miles into the ascent and I am laboring. My legs feel exhausted and I cannot seem to get Jasper moving at all. Then I feel the slight bump, bump, bump. I looked down and saw my tire was limp.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This time I didn't freak out and scream. I knew this was coming and I was happy to have a new tube to replace it with. The tube wasn't popped, just slowly leaking from the patch. Upon further examination the patch looked like old wrinkly skin so I threw on the new tube while Wally and I chit chatted.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Usually I would be super focused on the task at hand, but at this point, I can now change a tube like it is second nature. I haven't used tire levers the last few changes either. That is kind of cool, kind of sad. Call me, if you want a tutorial.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQX2hz1Uqaz33t1n5W3-dZBdKXs7boHpugdjaS3NVH2U9XuhGAaeYabbLbYkpLUuqMnp4jfKk0RvGsiE6xTb6U2bhDi9nM_GC89l4XJflDVB3pBgZoBQr9n6f52sn12UO7CvI1yYyVPTw//"><img title="Climb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQX2hz1Uqaz33t1n5W3-dZBdKXs7boHpugdjaS3NVH2U9XuhGAaeYabbLbYkpLUuqMnp4jfKk0RvGsiE6xTb6U2bhDi9nM_GC89l4XJflDVB3pBgZoBQr9n6f52sn12UO7CvI1yYyVPTw//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Back on the rubber, only a few miles to the top, then we roll 7 miles downhill into Mitchell.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Not so fast! Only a few hundred yards later the sound of a gun goes off. Jasper is okay, I am okay, but I turn around and Wally is shaking his head. Another popped tube. Haha we can't go anywhere together! At least it is hot and gorgeous out!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Finally, we make the 7 mile descent just after <a dir="ltr">6 PM</a>. It was a wondrous descent. After 75 miles, it was nice to almost literally fly into town.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<div>Our stay for the night is the Spoke'N Hostel whom I found on Warm Showers but also got a note passed along from David that it is an awesome place. Jalet (pronounced Juh-lay), the proprietor, messaged me back on facebook saying they like to take their guest to the Painted Hills for sunset at 6. Wally and I were bummed we were to late. On the up side, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">were both craving some soda, so we hit the grocery store and enjoyed the cold fizz bubble down our throats. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">
</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">Then, who pulls up in their car? Jalet! She told us there is still time to see the Painted Hills so we road the very short ride to the hostel, which is in a church (it basically is the church), then hopped in her car to see the hills.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">
</span></div>
<div>An absolutely incredible sight. Not just for their beauty, but every color you see was a different environment millions of years ago. One color was a time flooded in water with millions of fish, another color was a jungle, another color they found woolly mammoth fossils, and lots of colors are different types of lava flow. From 40 million to 6 million years of history right in front of our faces.</div>
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<div>As the sun set we drove back to the hostel for showers. Jalet cooked us spaghetti with meat sauce while we cleaned off. Quite possibly the best meal I've had this whole trip. Home made and taste just like moms!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I truly gorged on the pasta. Three full plate servings and I almost didn't have room for scooped Huckleberry and Death My Chocolate ice cream.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This whole place is a dream. This is Jalets job and something she has a great passion for. She said she has never seen a hostel, but she nailed this one. Upstairs are the bunk beds (complete with power strips and 4 setting light above your pillow), a lounge area and pews for hanging a meeting new people. Downstairs is more hang out area with a few guitars (ah man it's been a while, I played a bit) and the kitchen complete with tons of fruit, oatmeal, fresh mint lemonade, cookies, coffee, hard boiled eggs and much much more.</div>
<div> </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJrOTLwy_b7OjDllPQhKKc1rmoF6BhHEEdvxlNMNLjeMAl0dr3s8MM56nRCWMH8deOAeZ0mNhvlMp7Pffs8zrwiy-MG5E2CU4LyOvDNK5kNpAABcGmgkCJSRyzcaiDPDMTijEqdEg-WJa//"><img title="Spoken for" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJrOTLwy_b7OjDllPQhKKc1rmoF6BhHEEdvxlNMNLjeMAl0dr3s8MM56nRCWMH8deOAeZ0mNhvlMp7Pffs8zrwiy-MG5E2CU4LyOvDNK5kNpAABcGmgkCJSRyzcaiDPDMTijEqdEg-WJa//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Like I said, this is a dream and a place that would exceed Queen Elizabeth's expectations. I don't know if I can leave... But unfortunely after breakfast and a few coffees, I will have to go on. It is a place like this that makes me want to return to Mitchell, OR. Forget the hostel even, I will come back to say hi to Jalet.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<div>
<table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="">
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Hostel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCElEEWikEB5e6JtbnxRYS9KThTvw9m-ev-81fq9Imcu8S4_UthFnt1JnF70SA1mzs0oqiJYgCV9kEYN8pdmK0y42QCSuxfd2EU1Vg-CsVIUErS6zJDmnGmrj9JuSLJiX8sAbyS_dMGZA//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chill zone</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
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<div> </div>
<div>Jalet hosted over 300 cyclist this year and I know how gracious we all are for what you have done here. Thank you a million, trillion times Jalet.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Me wall Jalet" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_keB4T_teSPyLmHCYnmo8_qkXFfWVeEg5PHf-UF2kuwH91kJnY0pK52rqp1iVtgiK58bKhsx4rRkHK5rhcKXvjzO0vKdchcRnkKUfoI64b_50t33Em132iKSTrrahV2bEc7oifNwegx0//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, hostel dog, Jalet and Wally</td>
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<div> </div>
<div> <strong>Day 81</strong></div>
<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">Similarly to leaving my brother and friends in Denver, i</span>t wasn't easy to leave Spoke'n Hostel. That is obvious if you saw when we left (<a dir="ltr">11:30</a>). Jalet made us feel loved and at home and what more could you want on a trip where you have been away from your family practically the entire time.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="The hostel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtetR8T0bqkUr9vZgI_Mu-f2lgXwM0ikE9qsYC23gia5WB6dDZ8oCNvoKcClprPyQJNj8emO3Lf5jxvF2CTWecAzZJwdJQkP5jO6ktDM4rsDayqV2MWDO0Nyg1VAL9HIlmDjRSFG4qsGq1//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoke'n Hostel</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>I made Wally and I three eggs and two pieces of toast each then we continued to fill up on cookies and were forced to eat and take as much fruit as we could. No problem there.</div>
<div> </div>
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<div> </div>
<div>The day began with a 15 mile or more climb and Wally and I were excited to get to the top, eat lunch and fly down into Redmond.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>At the top we pulled in for lunch at the Ochoco Divide campground to use the picnic table. The 75 year old host gave us crap for "day use" and wanted us to pay 5 bucks to use the table for 20 minutes. We were outraged and began to pack up. Wally moaned under his breath, "This is not what I fought over seas for" and surprisingly the old man heard it.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Wally hates to use the veteran card, and I can attest I haven't heard him use it for any type of grocery discount or anything like that, but this had the appropriate affect on the older gentleman. When he was steadfast on making us pay and happy to see us leave otherwise, all of a sudden became our best friend. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Oh since your a veteran you can stay. I am so sorry I didn't get around to brushing the pine off this table! How is the ride going today?" Just leave us be man.</div>
<div> </div>
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<div> </div>
<div>After lunch we began our much awaited 40 mile descent into Redmond. That last about 5 miles and we were greeted with wicked headwinds slowing us down to hard fought 10-12 MPH rather than the easy 15+ we were hoping for.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was a more exhausting day than we anticipated. To top it off, we stopped for a soda 20 miles outside of Redmond and as we began the final leg, Wally got a flat! Wouldn't be a day without one!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>He got this flat around <a dir="ltr">5:30</a> (<a dir="ltr">8:30 EST</a> and I wanted to watch the first NFL game of the year! I got fantasy players going tonight!!) and it happened to be on the busiest highway we have been on since Yellowstone. So we were already upset about the heavy traffic, but another flat at the end of the day is.... Wait for it... Deflating.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcu0t_YRi1iAddwLAxBWZGNvutIrC5vl6Iz6eBuD9ASv0b8bnTxORj_bNAZnf43BOtLg-DKFqb-ZhslsRCoV6zvn6M8sqklbjpewId1vO5JYKceHYOlXDjJxlQwHrn5feXC1F-w3jWFLY//"><img title="Mints" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcu0t_YRi1iAddwLAxBWZGNvutIrC5vl6Iz6eBuD9ASv0b8bnTxORj_bNAZnf43BOtLg-DKFqb-ZhslsRCoV6zvn6M8sqklbjpewId1vO5JYKceHYOlXDjJxlQwHrn5feXC1F-w3jWFLY//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Once that was fixed, I made my mind up, I am sprinting these final 15 miles to the city limits to minimize death. Wally aptly named those 15 miles, "The Death Dash."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A dash it was. I flew through those miles. Had it not been rush hour it may have been a more relaxing ride; it was beautiful, but there was no time for that.</div>
<div> </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Ride" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsut5JkB11fCpd7P2vHf4kotw6AiiC_Llqv46m1XKGFK5MXWgshYNr0KROafUhdGuTLQx6ri4-kuRavTUrzXPvhFC4ugUyDkMG53fe2Z_7NpePUtENu53qwrX2iQJe1R4Xfbiycv68qJEv//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains in the distance</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>We arrived at our Warm Showers house, Patrick, while he was out on a hike. He warned me he is moving out so his house is empty, I told him we didn't care. We let ourselves in and made ourselves at home. As promised, it was empty. Only his bed remained in the TV room on the floor and one giant piece of art that he was leaving with the new owners.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Pat took us out to the brewery for the second half of the game and bought us two beers each. I got an incredibly delicious peanut butter stout called Nut Cruncher. Pat works for the Forest Service and is bike touring down the Pacific coast 400 miles at a time. He is an awesome guy who would love nothing more than to take 3 months off, or forever off, and bike tour.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_slbYCwvSj3YaDTrqkvblPgnjevHH55pGWL7M_aRM-f2q6ulmhcCiFkwKyBTOHrMlCLShqPHBiSN_FhmqPh9HA1QX56k9IJX6DZbU73iQ9DaFgD1WGK4MjO4UAJcRk1E8ufuExHVuLyS3//"><img title="Brew" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_slbYCwvSj3YaDTrqkvblPgnjevHH55pGWL7M_aRM-f2q6ulmhcCiFkwKyBTOHrMlCLShqPHBiSN_FhmqPh9HA1QX56k9IJX6DZbU73iQ9DaFgD1WGK4MjO4UAJcRk1E8ufuExHVuLyS3//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Back at his house he has hops growing up a pergola and had us suck on one. Such a bitter taste, if we bit into it we would be tasting that bitterness for the next week.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>At last it was bed time and falling asleep on a two beer buzz takes approximately 2 minutes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>Day 82</strong></div>
<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div>Wally took the time to swap his front and rear tires to maybe avoid further flats. We'll see if that works.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNp2gy9TqDqcLuVFrh0TMGJMGZS1_aUxN48-BhypzQ4V8bEwdAjyw32VBXALVfrSzqC-E1_vDtSr5TWY0QfJyl8urmObwOXppSJFmcKUAxbiUv91sUBELg6CeIYTPgu3EIo-bsDoUhM3jt//"><img title="Note goodbye" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNp2gy9TqDqcLuVFrh0TMGJMGZS1_aUxN48-BhypzQ4V8bEwdAjyw32VBXALVfrSzqC-E1_vDtSr5TWY0QfJyl8urmObwOXppSJFmcKUAxbiUv91sUBELg6CeIYTPgu3EIo-bsDoUhM3jt//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Today is our final big climb of the trip and apparently a very beautiful one. Similar to yesterday, but better. Up to over 5,000 feet and then flying down to the coast at 0. However, all in due time.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Naturally, Wally's front tire gave out 10 miles in. Luckily, it only took a quick pump and we rode 5 more miles into Sisters, OR.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Not at all what we expected. A town of roughly 9,000 people and a gorgeous one at that. I got good vibes immediately as we drove in. A sign under "The town of Sisters, OR" that reads bicycle friendly is always a good start. We made our way to the bike shop so Wally could get itself and another spare tube. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;">At the Blazin Saddle bike shop, the first thing that was offered to us was a free beer on tap. I knew it was right about this place!</span></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Shocker, I noticed my new tube from a day or two ago was getting a little flat, so I also got a new tube and decided to change it as well. I figured why not have a fresh tube at the right PSI for our final big climb.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>After a beer and lunch we made our way to the final climb.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Right outside of Sisters the scenery, as promised, started to become forest like. I was loving it! I was dancing in my saddle and in the middle of bursting out Bohemian Rhapsody, "Mommaaaaaaaaaaa, oooooOOOOOOOOO!!"</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd0_6m_-ptqkk9P7G8XKQUEiufNEfWq0PAAF8glrcelrznPKvoVfGE4f4DN6NP0F-ks16yCq9KaHdCur1sy0U8W-USv9JzMSGkUnlzjon3zYGxn8nRZuUt_GuMMVIY107bfVgofIHuzJu//"><img title="Forestry" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGd0_6m_-ptqkk9P7G8XKQUEiufNEfWq0PAAF8glrcelrznPKvoVfGE4f4DN6NP0F-ks16yCq9KaHdCur1sy0U8W-USv9JzMSGkUnlzjon3zYGxn8nRZuUt_GuMMVIY107bfVgofIHuzJu//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Then it happened. Come on say it with me, you know the drill. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>TSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Alright so screw the right PSI. Clearly if my tires are inflated above 50 PSI, I am getting a flat. This all started when REI Denver gave me a new wheel. I didn't get my first flat until just outside of Denver and now I'm on... 7? 8? I don't know anymore.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>So, contrary to my hopes, I am climbing this final pass at whatever PSI my tiny frame pump can get me to. It's all good though, because it is freaking gorgeous.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZBmImS-Fomio1O0i50dh9q88SXOiJPtyGAzlLp_lRzRWfbETRssWGXDKeGtaghWwCyuYYRKuuEW6W_LR2vS0lJ7inFavT0gvAkBkA715FWVN8-MTgVbNEMD5SchNFg1z8fe_nwbwxMIY//"><img title="Forestttt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZBmImS-Fomio1O0i50dh9q88SXOiJPtyGAzlLp_lRzRWfbETRssWGXDKeGtaghWwCyuYYRKuuEW6W_LR2vS0lJ7inFavT0gvAkBkA715FWVN8-MTgVbNEMD5SchNFg1z8fe_nwbwxMIY//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Also Wally gave me a few caffeine pills so were flying high now. The ride was a beautiful forest that eventually peaked onto lava rocks. 11,000 years ago it would have been <em>liquid hot magma</em>.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCql9ZcznJ13yjd4x90IVRpq9wTHdM0ZaipJXNkY0kEojgGFJXNpI-ffTV97_AgCz-7ienAKz1NGJMu2x-K-aTNg58-f7xgyXJnsv0bGJ-pCxM1Tcr_MxYFIgVVT2ZwdIELO36L6sBQSBm//"><img title="Lava" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCql9ZcznJ13yjd4x90IVRpq9wTHdM0ZaipJXNkY0kEojgGFJXNpI-ffTV97_AgCz-7ienAKz1NGJMu2x-K-aTNg58-f7xgyXJnsv0bGJ-pCxM1Tcr_MxYFIgVVT2ZwdIELO36L6sBQSBm//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>So we did it! Despite all these flats we reached our final pass!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GmoDzL-18mGRPCL8E1fQbziawwdx45IpqRY3Qy1XR4MMqLcy_cE0dpdZBBJNAtyozou-SBRXP2PuDZPDjkTkjwIeh30AP82c7TR5hOwoL9WGpxrpP-_9LeWnenOBLyVzbNhyphenhyphenP0QvTW9c//"><img title="Final pass" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GmoDzL-18mGRPCL8E1fQbziawwdx45IpqRY3Qy1XR4MMqLcy_cE0dpdZBBJNAtyozou-SBRXP2PuDZPDjkTkjwIeh30AP82c7TR5hOwoL9WGpxrpP-_9LeWnenOBLyVzbNhyphenhyphenP0QvTW9c//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>The descent was the topper too. A wild turning ride through this forest. Wally and I held on tight to our brakes almost the whole time, but it was magnificent. </div>
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<div>Also at the top we enjoyed warm sunlight, inside the forest we were smacked with a sheet of chill like we just rode into a refrigerator. As we twisted and turned and got below 2,000 feet we felt the immediate temperate swap back to warmth and my goosebumps were final gone.</div>
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<div>It was awesome to enjoy a descent with no headwinds and better yet, no flats. We cruised those final 30 something miles to our (maaaaybe) final campground of the trip, Delta Campground. We are quite literally in a forest. I'm sorry Axl, WE'RE IN THE JUNGLE BABY!!!!</div>
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<div>Very cool place for the final campsite. Actually, not cool, it's supposed to be in the 60s tonight and dry. I can curl up in my tent and fall asleep under the stars tonight one last time. Oh my god, I'm gonna cry just typing that.</div>
<div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-11113114494941636992016-09-08T08:42:00.000-07:002016-09-08T08:42:59.835-07:00Day 77, 78 & 79: "This is what we're supposed to do." <strong>Halfway, OR to Baker City, OR to Prairie City, OR</strong>
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<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 53.9 + 69.8</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 4,501.2</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Average Speed: 10.9 / 12.0</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Elevation Gain: 3,782 / 4,687</strong></span></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hof8djhkJWs">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 77</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4caLqXgpl3k">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 79</a></div>
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<div><strong>Day 77</strong></div>
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<div>I woke up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Lord knows Wally ain't going anywhere without at least two, nay, three cups of his own.</div>
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<div>We were told we'd be eating hills for breakfast and those people were not lying. One big giant climb to start the day, but I am loving every sweat drop of it.</div>
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<div>Because of the sweat, Wally and I threw our jackets on to stay warm down the 3 mile descent. It was even colder than expected because of the headwinds that we would end up battling all day.</div>
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<div>That is the story of the day. The ride was a beautiful trip down Baker-Copperfield Highway in yet another gorge on a small river.</div>
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<div>But that damn wind can ruin any beautiful ride. Especially the cross winds. Head winds are one thing, they slow you down, but when the wind varries it's nice. During crosswinds you spend your time leaning against the wind and when it varries, you are thrown off balance and forced to swerve all over the road. It's a pain in the ass.</div>
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<div>At least we were able to snag a few more fresh apples off the side of the road. Apples and peanut butter powered me through the final miles to Baker City.</div>
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<div>Wally and I could see a pounding of rain up ahead. It looked like we were headed right for it, but the road turned south a few miles before the rain and into Baker City.</div>
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<div>The stay for tonight is an extended family member, Erin Markey.</div>
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<div>My immediate family just attended a family reunion back in Connecticut and my dad was reaqauinted with one of his cousins. His daughter, Erin, happens to live in Baker City and she has welcomed Wally and I into her home.</div>
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<div>Erin works for the parks services and studied geology in college. She was full of awesome facts about the surrounding mountains and what they contain. Currently she is studying the white headed woodpecker. I'll be keeping my eyes out for one!</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Erin and I" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EUa6X2UDn8wUdwVQvsg2Jsc_e9JJmstZuz6qOClmzZq9bTmW0WDxYzK-BTe3GKfJ2Vg8J_ufvw9CLCnSCGsfHqK_NxXvqDatI4oCwEnVGrvvo_RFj95LpogkrBZF-jXAXuHRaSEdueyV//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin and I</td>
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<div>Also great news, Marion and David made it to Baker City. Not only did they have to battle the same headwinds, but they had to ride an additional 14 miles. I give them props, it was a tough day already.</div>
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<div>It also turns out we are all taking Labor Day off to rest in Baker City (which is a terrible idea since everything is closed). It has been 7 days since my last rest day and I should arrive in Portland in 7 more. Erin invited us to go hiking with her, but I wore myself out exploring during my last day off in Missoula, so I am taking this one seriously and doing nothing.</div>
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<div>Time to kick my feet up and rest!</div>
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<div><strong>Day 78 - Rest Day</strong></div>
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<div>Let's not over do it here, because I certaintly didn't. Erin made us delicious scrambled eggs for breakfast. What a host! She left for her hike and Wally went off in search of coffee.</div>
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<div>The only walking I did was to meet Wally and David for lunch. Amazing burgers and shakes.</div>
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<div>David is too cool for, what I would consider a proper goodbye. He said I'm sure we'll see ya later and parted ways. </div>
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<div>That night I completed my final fantasy draft while eating my newest dinner, canned chili and ramen. A poor mans pasta with meat sauce. I am happy to be done with the drafts, they were influencing my riding decisions and I didn't like that. Now they are a distraction no more.</div>
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<div><strong>Day 79</strong></div>
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<div>I forgot to mention, Wally and I spent a few minutes out of Day 77 to re-pump our tires throughout the ride. Clearly we both had small punctures causing our PSI to drop every hour or so. This morning, we both threw on new tubes and made our way to the bike shop.</div>
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<div>I got Jasper's brakes tightened, gears re-aligned and back tire true'd. I had two tubes with small holes patched in my bag as back ups and with a fresh new tube newly installed, I was confident, or rather, I was optimistic that would be my last tire change. I mean come on, I made it 60 days before my first flat, I can make it a final 500 miles.</div>
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<div>Day 79 Trail Angel #1:</div>
<div>As we rolled to the end of the block waiting for the stop light to hit green, Wally and I both smiled at a little girl holding her 8 pound dog close to her chest. Her mother then asked us about our trip. She explained how much she admired us and said, "Do you guys need anything at all? Coffee? Money? Anything?"</div>
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<div>Uhh yes, yes and yes. But no... Maybe if we weren't off to a late start already (it was just passed <a dir="ltr">11 AM</a>) I would have said yes to a coffee, but I could never imagine saying, "Yeah, ten bucks would be super!" And then taking her ten dollars. However it filled my heart with her eagerness to give us something, anything at all.</div>
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<div>I told her her warm words were more than enough and we parted with big smiles on our faces. That is, after she told me Seaside is filled with a lot of meth... OK THANKS AGAIN!!</div>
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<div>After getting out of town limits Wally and I were flying! Jasper's legs were back up to 80 PSI (I had her at 40) and what a difference that makes. Way less effort for way more speed.</div>
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<div>Roughly 10 miles later. TSSSSSSSSSSSS. The same sound and quick deflation I heard for my first flat. Now I'm at four flats?</div>
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<div>I hopped off my bike and shouted, "FUUUUUUUUDGE!" Only I didn't say fudge. I said <em>the</em> word. The big one. The queen mother of dirty words. The F dash dash dash word.</div>
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<div>I was so excited to be at the proper PSI, now that is all gone to waste as I change my tired and use my hand pump that can only get me to, again, 40 PSI. </div>
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<div>I tell Wally, 10 more pumps. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8... Then POP! That tube blew. Flat #5. And it blew in the same spot as the last one. Wally and I inspected the wheel and rim, but nothing seemed to be wrong. Wally added tape on the rim where the blow happened and I changed the tube yet again. This time, with my final tube that is already patched. The other two tubes are useless as the holes are too big to patch.</div>
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<div>We got back on our bikes as the first rain drops started to trickle down.</div>
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<div>Shortly 30 minutes later we stopped for lunch, barely 15 miles in. The rain started to come down.</div>
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<div>Before, all I could think about was my tire. If this tube failed, it was hitching back to Baker City. Now, screw the tube, I can't get my mind of the rain.</div>
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<div>Wally's Garmin read around 47 degrees. Wind and rain were making it feel like 35.</div>
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<div>Today we will have to climb three passes and the first one is approaching. I have never been so happy in my life to climb. This means we get to warm up, but not before a few minor downhills.</div>
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<div>Nothing is minor when your cold and wet. The downhill just means more wind and more cold. I didn't give one thought to my tire. All I was thinking about was how cold my arms and face were. The raincoat didn't make much of a difference for the temperature. </div>
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<div>Finally we reach the first ascent and we begin to warm... A little. At least the rain and wind feel softer at lower speeds.</div>
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<div>Day 79 Trail Angel #2:</div>
<div>We reached the top of the first pass and a man in a truck is waiting for us at the top. He is in his late 60s and has a long white beard that sits on top of his khaki jean jacket. On the jacket was his name written in Sharpie, Bo.</div>
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<div>Bo tells us 8 miles down the road he has a warm shower, water, a cabin and that he does stuff with wood nobody else does (insert joke here). All for no charge we can come and warm up and spend the night. We thanked him a bunch, but a 25 mile day wouldn't do it for us, and we had our Warm Shower Host waiting for us in Prairie City.</div>
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<div>We thanked him profusely and as he was getting back into his truck, Bo said, "This is what we're supposed to do."</div>
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<div>I assume he means we as in us humans. Unfortunately plenty of cars passed us and would continue to pass us throughout the freezing miserable day and none would make the same offer as he. It was a great line that I won't forget though. It is that attitude that embodies this trip completely. It is an attitude that I will be taking back home with me because, like it or not, we are all in this world together and we should really be looking out for each other along the way.</div>
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<div>So Bo pulls off and Wally and I make our descent. Oh holy hell we made the wrong choice. My fingers are numb, my feet are soaked, my teeth are chattering and my nipples could pierce my final tube. I have never wanted a downhill to end so quickly in my life. I have never begged for the next uphill so I could get warm again. This is torture!</div>
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<div>But wait... <em>I'm not at work, I'm not behind a desk. I'm not at work, I'm not behind a desk. </em>I reminded myself. Yeah that worked.</div>
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<div>Finally Wally and I made our way up the final pass and the rain stopped and the sun did its best to peak through the clouds. Then I couldn't help myself... I began to smile.</div>
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<div>I remember the tube, but it's made it this far and were so close to Prairie City that I am optimistic again. Plus... Did I mention the rain stopped? My feet were still soaked and frozen, but the rest of my body has life.</div>
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<div>Day 79 Trail Angel #3:</div>
<div>A brief pause so I can take a picture and have a snack before the last 14 miles. A guy in a truck turned onto the road we were about to turn off and shouts out his window, "You guys want a beer?"</div>
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<div>"Hell yeah we want a beer!" Wally and I both responded.</div>
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<div>We chatted for a bit and he told us he had a friend who attempted the Transam but bailed in the Midwest. He figured we could use a pick me up. He was not wrong. Especially not today. This wasn't even about the beer, but about the guy stopping to take a few minutes out of his day to give us his best. </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="New add" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW34eD2zQubEzI8f-AsU36f_Zr99VxDdhb7BSxwz71ukwNuwtemBj2Y1m7YVeIvb5JBpC2A7T1eOjSQNUlqefMQcmT31pqbxdqCtaNEhFF5JlKY2sCPH56obq9JPcoGBdGEwMtDME9HIdo//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New addition to Jasper. KEEP LEFT PLEASE!</td>
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<div>I was exhausted and cold for the final pass, but couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Today has sucked... But did it...?</div>
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<div>We reached the top of the pass and began our descent. Spectacular!</div>
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<div>The view was phenomenal as the clouds skated along the mountain tops. I haven't seen anything like this on this trip yet. The wonders seemingly never end.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Wagon" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5i5phaLRvgy9xL3v6-0cZoXb0KiSpMakQLV4D_UsNAD8hqbRpuJ7QkdfQF24hKTueCHWe4sqtMeGoQSpBmJCCQ0p5ULAxWejfA-57Y1E24PkFfL1kh_AoSO4080AV9sRMVTAXZpgcj8T//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy my tail is Wagon</td>
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<div>We rode the final hill down into Prairie City as the sun finally fully exposed itself today. It was enough to warm my body, but again, my toes are still frozen.</div>
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<div>We reached our Warm Showers host and I took the longest, hottest shower of the trip. It still didn't get my body back to 98 degrees so I put on my down jacket, curled up in a blanket and drank that Banquet Beer to its final drop. Cheers to day 79, we made it and the forecast looks promising for the rest of the week.</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-68028997951868252232016-09-06T08:42:00.000-07:002016-09-06T08:42:42.084-07:00Day 76 & 77: Idaho, and I'll Scream it From the Riverside<div><strong>Riggins, ID to Council, ID to Halfway, OR </strong></div>
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<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 66.5 + 81.2 = 147.7</strong></span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 4,377.5</strong></span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Average Speed: 10.8 / 11.8</strong></span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Elevation: 3,019 / 4,297</strong></span></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5foLHNCMPM">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 75</a></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wokg69bCuY">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 76</a></div>
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<div><strong>Day 75</strong></div>
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<div>Idaho continues to mix it up multiple times per day. Today was no exception.</div>
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<div>We rode a mile into downtown Riggins for $2.04 breakfast sandwiches at the gas station. Very good and freshly made with real eggs. Solid start.</div>
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<div>What was gorgeous river views to end yesterday's ride seemingly ended right out of Riggins. It is roughly a 30 mile climb to our first major check point of the day, New Meadows. From here we spotted a bike trail on the maps that would take the rest of the day to Council.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="No river" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcLxBFjMufubALj8AvRyzl3yUwcnvBpBtG8A2CdL6DIWYIZkovIdKFUEl2BYzalKa1-ibfv8rmDXiEj26QUO582hMcL5VRRbcJf7rzM-pqK9WgwZDicdb1xMxnLm8GBc-vZmf0fqqAwkP//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No river here</td>
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<div>It was a pretty forgettable ride until New Meadows. Especially after what we have riden through the last few days. The shoulder sucked, but for the most part I had no issues with the drivers.</div>
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<div>As Idaho is wont to do, the gorge we were riding through opened up a few miles outside of New Meadows and made me much more relaxed to have a wider shoulder.</div>
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<div>Really, all I kept thinking was that I couldn't wait to get to this bike trail. At New Meadows we got a map of the trail and it showed to be packed gravel. I can handle that, especially when there is a bike tourer on the front page towing his daughter.</div>
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<div>After loading up on one dollar six packs of cinnabons at Family General... Or Dollar General... Or is it Family Dollar? I will never get it right. We headed on another small shoulder for a few miles until the Weiser River Trail. </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Root beer" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8cLvMUh3ANzhD6Ehyphenhyphenbyn6gv9D5lHuUgu6txYrahpWTSn294T4wVNOjPJ5QqnrUmd1dgPkggWhVQ3KNJXcJkhhgXF41hf4hvukdxupZFgRH0Os7CgtLekcTW8qH8JPNw2vUmNR9ofBUPv//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wally loves his root beer</td>
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<div>At first getting on the trail, I was disappointed. It was pretty rocky and I was spending a lot of energy, physically and mentally, on not falling over. I was bumping and sliding all over the place. I hung on though.</div>
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<div>The trail improved slightly. From rocky to gravel, but not so packed, so I was still sliding around. At this point Marion and Wally ditched the trail for the small shouldered highway. David and I still had faith in this trail. If nothing else, to not be on the highway and get, as David puts it, "cornholed" by a car.</div>
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<div>We rode slowly, a little further, Marion and Wally well far ahead now, and the trail went back to rocky and bumpy. I told David I was going to pull off and check the highway. The shoulder was now nonexistent and heading towards a blind turn. David and I agreed, screw it, we'll stay on the trail. Eventually David had the brilliant idea to let some air out of tires. This made the ride instantly more comfortable. </div>
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<div>As we continued the trail improved little by little, until it was too gorgeous to not love. Then, letting a little more pressure out, the trail became a diamond.</div>
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<div>David and I really started enjoying the scenery coupled with the fact that this trail ignored any roads and simply followed the Weiser River staying true to its name, Weiser River Trail. </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Highway" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35257BGfb_Hh8__GzNH1jH_2Erzpt5PkKePm4wUm5qAKtiT_AjiAJiaAHyYves4nLLCAHof9BJ2IF7kj8-c9Q3go1fSo_1jwXEWqlAU4uLsEHxCidfC7UkVx1lgrqOIPAR5bHYUAfsJZ-//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screw you highway!</td>
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<div>Let's not fail to mentioned we were traveling downstream, thus we rode at a casual 10 mph downhill pace, exerting little effort.</div>
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<div>We were seeing a lot of crap on this trail. The poop, huge, and looking like whoever was leaving it had a berry based diet. The only other people on this trail was a cute old couple who confirmed, it is bear skat.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uOBNC4rFoKutVDp_TRVkOVcdrcvCspiVzHowS0IDAnYQRpCdJC-7XpzI8iSrfLtTyzhvk9s-qygRziAtoKpN1gy86x2krj3RdZXcUNRMjWn08KUJd6QUwYvUpwSJA_UQotwmLrKNKdxm//"><img title="Skat" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uOBNC4rFoKutVDp_TRVkOVcdrcvCspiVzHowS0IDAnYQRpCdJC-7XpzI8iSrfLtTyzhvk9s-qygRziAtoKpN1gy86x2krj3RdZXcUNRMjWn08KUJd6QUwYvUpwSJA_UQotwmLrKNKdxm//" alt="" width="500" height="666" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know you were dying to see it. Make a note, that's bear skat</td>
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<div>There is no denying I would love to see a bear. It's really the only thing missing on this trip. David and I laughed and agreed about this, then he pulled over to move his bear spray to his handlebar pannier. </div>
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<div>This trail lead us right through someone's farm and as we turned a corner David says, "Oh my god I thought that was a bear!" It was just some big ol cows. As we approached we realized they were on the trail!</div>
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<div>David and I looked at each other without needing to say a word. Our looks of "what do we do here?" was plain enough.</div>
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<div>We continued to ride right toward them, slowly. They heard our tires crunching beneath the rocks and began to trot away. I looked back at David and we couldn't help but to laugh.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Riding. With the cattle" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61jKua6GpsvEN6ZbqAUkkitn9sD01osm4v0P-LLeDNdSfEcLHc8Mce3K6Ql1LMYHFH94trUcbmCTnVty-57zNlCwPmAQd1Fhj3afcGa6ZAzkM19G16x9gt4FH-Yx3Qegs2MHUhl-sU6qP//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cattle herd</td>
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<div>We started herding the cattle on bikes! Then the big momma cow stopped dead, turned and gave us the, "Any closer and I'll drop you" look. We stopped, continued to laugh at this moment, and the momma cow turned and caught up to her calf. </div>
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<div>David and I couldn't contain our chuckles as we herded the cattle around 500 yards down this trail until they finally turned right, nowhere to go, then left back across the trail into the field.</div>
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<div>Then only a mile or so later a few deer were just standing in the middle the trail giving us the classic deer in headlights looks, standing still as statues. The closer we got they finally ran off into the woods.</div>
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<div>"Perfect!" David said. "We have seen horses, cows, deer, a red headed wood pecker, all we need now is a bear!"</div>
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<div>Couldn't agree more. I felt like a kid at a carnival anxious to jump on every ride before getting in line for a candy apple.</div>
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<div>We stopped for snack and I quieted David. I thought I heard footsteps, but nothing.</div>
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<div>We hopped back on the bikes and not a half mile later I see a brown figure in my peripherals. First reaction, stump, second reaction, "Holy shit David, that's a bear!"</div>
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<div>Did you see that coming?!?!?!?!</div>
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<div>The brown bear, what looked to be a little smaller than me (it gets bigger each time I think about it) darted into the woods as soon as I passed it. David and I stepped on the pedals and crossed a near by bridge over a creek.</div>
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<div>I paused here, too excited not to share with snapchat as David caught up.</div>
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<div>It happened! The trip is made! I saw a bear and not only is the trip made, but Weiser River Trail is forever in my heart as the best ride ever.</div>
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<div>To top it off, David stopped and began picking fresh apples right off the trail. Somewhere between the sweetness of a Granny Smith and crispness of... well an Apple Crisp. Fresh as ever. I picked a few more for Marion, Wally and breakfast; they fell right off the branch.</div>
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<div>The trail covered David and I in dirt, but that is a small price to pay for one of the best rides of the trip. Not to outdo itself, the trail was paved for the final mile. I am elated.</div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirty girl</td>
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<div>We arrived in Council almost an hour after Wally and Marion, but it was sure worth it. </div>
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<div>I almost paid $5 to shower at the RV site Marion was staying at, but I met Wally in the town park and was able to shower in the sprinklers and sleep there for free.</div>
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<div>I celebrated with a feast of chili in Ramen, peanut butter & Pop Tart sandwich, and an apple and peanut butter.</div>
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<div>I spent the rest of time at camp just relaxing unencumbered by my cell phone or any other distractions. One over looked part of this trip is being able to ignore updating my blog, ignore bike maintenance, ignore meeting locals, ignore it all and just sit back and watch the sunset and birds fly by. Nowhere to be except right here, right now.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Lib" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtwvyIm7SiymhyWhKf0yIfN17-I5EuRbmvZtex4VOXWOc3RPdzL1HSio4nsvCgt4EKxJlOltQMdD3mRcqK2-PF_0ZhInuylHJDE62tjdPXpyB8FlNQMM4GeZcrNg6gE2Vptd1S6SzyHXc//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Council's library mural</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The sun began to set on a perfect day. I will let pictures tell the rest of this story.</div>
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<div><strong>Day 76</strong></div>
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<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>I didn't fall asleep until almost midnight. Yesterday jacked me up. Regardless, upon waking up I felt so good, still flying high off yesterday. My plan is to get to Halfway, OR for a free place to stay and a shower at the Presbyterian Church. It would be a long day of 80 miles, which I haven't done in a while. Wally, being the man, agreed to stay with me, but that probably means goodbye to Marion and David.</div>
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<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>We didn't get a chance to say goodbye to them, I thought I'd see them for lunch somewhere, but no luck. I hope I see them before I turn toward Portland for a proper farewell.</div>
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<div>Wally and I dominated the first 20 miles of the ride heading south averaging almost 15 MPH even after climbing two decent hills that reminded me of Kentucky. Except Kentucky didn't have clouds like this!</div>
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<div>Quarter the way there, coffee time before we begin the big climb of the day heading back north. Once again, Idaho started out wide open and now we are back in another gorge, minus any river as far as I could see.</div>
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<div>We climbed the hill dodging these scary black grasshopper/beetle/cricket things. They looked like a miniature something evil that Stephen King would think of. </div>
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<div>Alas we made it to the top of the hill. The toffee Cliff Bar with caffeine in it along with some classic rock, got me there. </div>
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<div>Six miles to go until we reached a little cafe for lunch. Our lunch is PB&PT (peanut butter and poptart, remember that because it's my new thing) and tuna sandwiches though, nothing overpriced and fried... Unfortunately.</div>
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<div>The six miles down this hill were incredibly fun. Hills and peanut butter... They just don't get old. Now we're halfway (haha!).</div>
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<div> </div>
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<div>After lunch, Idaho had one more trick up her sleeve. </div>
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<div>Snake River.</div>
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<div>Six final miles in Idaho on Snake River was incredible. Winding roads seemingly floating above the river got my endorphins going again. Just like yesterday's trail ride.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Dl9bPGK86YDRhPuarpmoemPeiyIAaaBbJWhn2iQYtJd1mewOP2UtABSSDgyzn-r-7yzL5sNvLs-oZfQU2jx2NvADRuDVCs1WkMwKeAIM21PpSJomOKAVZdZvXsCfelA2KUzv70rY0pQa//"><img title="River Jasper" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Dl9bPGK86YDRhPuarpmoemPeiyIAaaBbJWhn2iQYtJd1mewOP2UtABSSDgyzn-r-7yzL5sNvLs-oZfQU2jx2NvADRuDVCs1WkMwKeAIM21PpSJomOKAVZdZvXsCfelA2KUzv70rY0pQa//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ99apayy8KhN9jvIUYOpT85zJTEaS-XKNBhDox1frIomyEp2D4dMcsXSKxeNnuaAoDtAhoEgQV5Eznpa1pigUW-HUEw_CD0mHi3VvQUzwkfUE3Dz9PILOjThIxuVSSDSk5YoyiFpYIm1//"><img title="Pano" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ99apayy8KhN9jvIUYOpT85zJTEaS-XKNBhDox1frIomyEp2D4dMcsXSKxeNnuaAoDtAhoEgQV5Eznpa1pigUW-HUEw_CD0mHi3VvQUzwkfUE3Dz9PILOjThIxuVSSDSk5YoyiFpYIm1//" alt="" width="500" height="193" data-json="" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJJw6RytDRpMxf5bu1eKHoG_FsItJ9F04sHdh-H0ofNhM46VKuKMVadXDJIpv1n3hEwPqn1Zd9d_dk5sOSYIm4EgYCAIPN8oQM7diGvOzRBXQX9SIH6inrmxe8zCxZke88ExlmFguXZgI//"><img title="Whoa" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJJw6RytDRpMxf5bu1eKHoG_FsItJ9F04sHdh-H0ofNhM46VKuKMVadXDJIpv1n3hEwPqn1Zd9d_dk5sOSYIm4EgYCAIPN8oQM7diGvOzRBXQX9SIH6inrmxe8zCxZke88ExlmFguXZgI//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div>We passed a dam, made like a bullet and shot down and across the river into my 15th and final state, OREGON!!!!!</div>
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<div> </div>
<div>THIS IS IT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!</div>
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<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNKij791E6os0HYVSBtV7rL12QEvqqHw5w7y8UxtjdXephH_qY6mGB-wP49kmHJ0F-kVxP_cBxxzGNs5M4kcnBAs6g04iRycLN_qJ0SINxdhDlegYCKa4tN10v3dJ50o84zKUVu3QpT5Q//"><img title="Oregon" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNKij791E6os0HYVSBtV7rL12QEvqqHw5w7y8UxtjdXephH_qY6mGB-wP49kmHJ0F-kVxP_cBxxzGNs5M4kcnBAs6g04iRycLN_qJ0SINxdhDlegYCKa4tN10v3dJ50o84zKUVu3QpT5Q//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div>More winding roads along Snake River. More beauty.</div>
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<div>Wally and I scooted up a hill and made a 180 degree turn heading back south. Wally got a flat as we approached the gas station just outside of Oxbow where Marion and David would end up staying. </div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Wally has been battling a cold the last few days, it has moved to his chest and the climb earlier was tough on him. The great lady, Diane, at the gas station felt his forehead to make sure he was ok. She could tell he was not 100% and wanted to make sure he was feeling well. Then she offered us free ice cream. Another gem!</div>
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<div>We inhaled our ice cream and buckeled up for the final 14ish miles to Halfway. It has been a while since I have ridden late and had to battle the setting sun. I also forgot how beautiful the setting sun glows on the earth. Here's a reminder.</div>
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<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJLQ69WV31wltUFeu3ANqs8i2CksCnSU8nuSgr_xPZyRbojfSu9z97avPOcgBOUnkPD8nHWeCqm1J0Tg9yGLAsBSnJyM1VDxOog6EROXYuoa4C8WhBcwONrhrtpgqCvNSt8XIWN-82xp9//"><img title="Nice Oregon" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJLQ69WV31wltUFeu3ANqs8i2CksCnSU8nuSgr_xPZyRbojfSu9z97avPOcgBOUnkPD8nHWeCqm1J0Tg9yGLAsBSnJyM1VDxOog6EROXYuoa4C8WhBcwONrhrtpgqCvNSt8XIWN-82xp9//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Labor Day" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4VFhDbohVHMU551vKCMRR19j4nKlUINyCNv052-z20lrY1wjIMH4msR39vd6gH5XGnH9CKeDRD6BxaF0ukTgo84-yD3MW0E4QxR27-4mer3gUI9Q0emqYKPtBo9vM8KXHXvVDDEg419-//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Labor Day Weekend!</td>
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<div>With Halfway in sight, Wally got another flat...</div>
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<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="../Documents/4FE49828-CFA5-481A-B7FF-08DEEE83EB43.JPG"><img title="Halfway" src="../Documents/4FE49828-CFA5-481A-B7FF-08DEEE83EB43.JPG" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div>He walked his bike into town about 2 miles and I meandered along side of him soaking up the views. Funny how the timing works. Without his flat and being forced to walk, we would have missed the parade!!</div>
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<div>I am used to parades consisting of the town firemen, policemen and various associations and a lot of little league baseball teams. Instead, Halfway had all the aforementioned except instead of LL baseball teams, there were groups of girls riding horseback. Different worlds!</div>
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<div>Also my town stopped allowing us to throw candy to the other kids; the best part of the parade. Halfway was making it rain laffy taffys and tootsie rolls.</div>
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<div>The finale were the fire trucks, ah not so fast. I hopped in behind the trucks and I am pretty sure a lot of people though <em>I</em> was the </div>
<div>81 miles down and a hell of a lot of fun. We are in Oregon with a roof over our head, munching on candy and relaxing at the church. Life is great.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-27835337261100004602016-09-05T08:31:00.000-07:002016-09-05T08:31:19.405-07:00Day 74: Another River Side Ride<div><strong>Grangeville, ID to Riggins, ID</strong></div>
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<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 47.7</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 4,229.8</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Average Speed: 13.1 MPH</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Elevation Gain: 4,141 ft</strong></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF0FYvsad8Y">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 74</a></div>
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<div>You hear the quick clatter of footsteps gaining on your tent. Something four legged is sprinting at top speed. Then in an instant in stops. There is a snarl immediately after the sprint ends and then the beast is off again, this time heading away from your tent.</div>
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<div>I heard this multiple times while starring at the ceiling of my tent. The temperate is a perfect morning chill that commands me to stay laying underneath the synthetic fabric of my sleeping bag. But there is no use trying to catch a few more z's while Wally continues to play fetch with Raven.</div>
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<div>She is only a puppy and has the energy of a child who has just discovered War Heads and insist on trying all the flavors.</div>
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<div>So we're up and at em, packing up for another day on the road.</div>
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<div>I had wanted to get to New Meadows today, but it was up one big final hill, one that looked close to yesterday's bohemth so we all mutually opted against it. </div>
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<div>We ended up 48 miles down the road to Riggins, ID, back in Mountain time zone, but not before another ride to remember.</div>
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<div>Only a mile or so out of town, Marion took the express route up the "new" highway 95 while David, Wally and I chose the older highway on the Transam.</div>
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<div>It was a gorgeous climb up at a nice gradient that didn't kill you, but just squeezed your quads to let you know it's there... Like your dad used to do when you first starting sitting in the front seat. That couldn't have just been the Michalek's?</div>
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<div>After that lovely 10 miles we stopped at the top for snacks and a drink.</div>
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<div>We made our way down and BAM, the world opened up. This time dad grabs hard at your quad and this time you know he's there and your smiling and laughing along with him.</div>
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<div>The old highway connected with the new and we continued down the descent at top speeds. We were supposed to go back on the old highway after a mile, but we missed the turn. It looks like a million switchbacks and I was happy on the new highway to be able to let go of the brakes and let gravity do its thing.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="DH" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_1CDndUWhiVBE5Q0YFaJJssNo3yb8FKTzUImvNAFbpKog2Gd6tSl_KzLrR25i8Ag8hZZo1hV89S9L54LG3tPmUEZLbmiRb_uAk8zVE_nQcQGskYN4sGE2V45MBkDKCZOiCas9bywUiZR//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downhill Chub</td>
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<div>We rolled around under this bridge back on to the Transam and we are once again one with a River.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Under bridge" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyfW9KJfUZEhDuj7agxbxwZzjfJqChj5bsiugDvg9gfO0Y7SdiRJJqsMvZYmr4wjOQfn9c2AxON4_5XNec8CvyCEioxAmgBHPS_TyyV_VQSNLX54VLihuvrXCV55IusoqT7aO2zIUYjIC//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the bridge downtown</td>
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<div>Gorgeous Salmon River river than has clearly cut down the mountains year after year.</div>
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<div>Some how we were managing to go downhill and upstream which made the ride a synch.</div>
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<div>That was until, bump, bump, bump.</div>
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<div>I could feel it instantly. It was a slow progression from light bumps to hard, but I knew it was a flat. I hopped off my bike to examine the tire and it was clear as day. There was some store not too far up head and I couldn't, or more apt, shouldn't change my tired on this small shoulder.</div>
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<div>I walked Jasper down the highway while Wally stayed just behind me.... Keeping me safe. Wally is a really great guy.</div>
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<div>We reached the store and it turned out to be fresh produce. While I fixed the flat, Marion, David and Wally all came out at different times sucking down fruit and licking the juice off their fingers.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Jasper's back leg was back to new and now it was my turn.</div>
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<div>There was some amazing fresh plums at this market for only a few dimes. They were also sampling this tomato that was deep red on the inside. Seasoned with salt, it was the best thing I've ever tasted. I bought myself one for a soon to be tuna and tomato sandwich.</div>
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<div>Marion went on ahead to check out the next town only a few miles away. We found him in an RV park talking to the woman who works here wearing a Winterfell shirt. Hell yeah, KING OF THE NORTH!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was a short day, but I saw texts flashing up on my phone and knew I finally had service after the whole ride with none. I wouldn't usually care, but tonight is the 4th year of my work fantasy football league, so I had to have service for that.</div>
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<div>$10 bucks per head on this beautiful lake was ok with me. I only a spent a dollar for fruit so the sandwich for lunch and ramen for dinner, it was an awesome $11 day!</div>
<div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-26261080476334886942016-08-31T20:38:00.000-07:002016-08-31T20:39:02.926-07:00Days 71, 72 & 73: My New Best Friend: The Lochsa River<strong>Missoula, MT to Powell, ID to Lowell, ID</strong>
<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Mileage: 60.9 + 68 + 44.8 = 173.7</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 4,182.1</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Average Speed: 12.9 / 15.5 / 11.3</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Elevation Gain: 2,652 / 1,098 / 2,783</strong></span></div>
<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div><a href="https://youtu.be/D8lkoODA3VY">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 71</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9O9TBXokJE">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 72</a></div>
<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RskT6egjOds">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 73</a></div>
<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div><strong>Day 71 </strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Before leaving my favorite city on this trip, Missoula, we had to make the much anticipated trip to the ACA (Adventure Cyclist Association) whom I have mentioned previously.</div>
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<div>I walked in blasting in "Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis. The epic song you usually see in movies where the hero is crossing the finish line in a race in slow motion. Funny part is, nobody working at the ACA even looked up at me. To them, I am just another cross country, Transam traveler. To me, this is a big moment and marks the final stretch of my saga. In my story, I enter like a hero in triumph.</div>
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<div>I was treated to everything that was promised. My picture was taken and placed on the 2016 "wall of fame."</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicaRYzHoKfijvLd6CLA-WuJqmllZist5-prmAF2xkhpW4CM0EaJbJQFSJtQIyRlaGNToCRkZjT-nJsXwKS4qCxLcBEpyd_SrzaBWpxq4-iawJv1NFwLsAxIIpPmzYCeYxffQEtlsxcU5v//"><img title="Ye" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicaRYzHoKfijvLd6CLA-WuJqmllZist5-prmAF2xkhpW4CM0EaJbJQFSJtQIyRlaGNToCRkZjT-nJsXwKS4qCxLcBEpyd_SrzaBWpxq4-iawJv1NFwLsAxIIpPmzYCeYxffQEtlsxcU5v//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div>I got my free ice cream(s) which made it into the picture, because what would be more fitting and then got the tour of the place. It was very cool to see the history of the Transam in greater detail and to dive into inner workings of the ACA. I could see myself working here! I'm sure everything thinks the same...</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="M2v" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUvTgVGVpkSTS0EdHWNvGDsFIDop1iBGjXzbfZmuK-6tIV4mrHGKg_Esn-HtXUHFY0Pb3C1asYODsDfxCLm7FBeBz7Cvkcsfz5R2FWS3oJG51knnqRIruX5dAUvhPPpY78rb3otLcY9AT//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy M2V sticker!</td>
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<div>Unfortunately they had no coffee, which I thought was crazy... All cyclist LOVE coffee. I am living proof and have noted every cyclist on this trip loves their coffee (except Colin).</div>
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<div>Last, we got our bikes weighed. Mine came in at 90lbs! That is after sending home 10lbs of clothes and then whatever my front panniers and rack weighed. So up until Nashville I was pushing over 100lbs!</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rf9O_pGhnRV1fPaLwFY_QdnM03xjyKhnGPY8DdVp7t_2yb85m-dgVCWkvwg2XbM3T_dR9i30fJC_rddAjK5g5dCJBOa6P0O5IMkpNLA4LcFFWdhTsAme3JyrIkXbUKwvrs9KZhjTsR4h//"><img title="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rf9O_pGhnRV1fPaLwFY_QdnM03xjyKhnGPY8DdVp7t_2yb85m-dgVCWkvwg2XbM3T_dR9i30fJC_rddAjK5g5dCJBOa6P0O5IMkpNLA4LcFFWdhTsAme3JyrIkXbUKwvrs9KZhjTsR4h//" alt="" width="500" height="666" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, maybe it's 89, but what about the clothes I'm wearing and phone in my hand!?</td>
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<div>We were told we'd have no services for a few days until Kooskia so we were properly stocked up on peanut butter, ramen and the like. The only thing we couldn't carry was cell service.</div>
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<div>
<div>So off Wally, Dan and I went up and over the Lolo Pass into my 14th state, Idaho, and my 4th and final time zone!</div>
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<div>Dan, like me, is 26 years old and has riden from Massachusetts to Missoula all on Google Maps. He didn't even know about the ACA and their maps until sometime, somewhere, someone told him. Dan is so awesome. Always happy, always smiling, always seeking a doughnut and has a thick, blonde beard so pronounced you would think he's hiding something in it.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Ye" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdxNvmgXfm5SVcjVS845n_aIKxfZxMkhp9Y7u7pe1Q-VFGMtCkZlPn0YYmJLEi71Sz96ND4kkxlFxI3VbXTqv5h2BcSB2ng4Qodepr4va3z0yO3tUTv8NpfeCfbyqQkX_QW7cf-Orsztn//" alt="" width="500" height="281" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan far left and Wally riding caboose</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>The not-so-difficult Lolo pass actually snuck up on me and was a little more difficult than I anticipated. Luckily it was over right as we entered Idaho and were able to enjoy free coffee at the visitor center before our final 12 miles of the day to Powell Campgrounds.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The descent to camp was glorious. I mean... It's downhill, how could it not be.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We flew down the pass to meet Lochsa River and rode the river's edge for the next day and a half.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Powell Campground rested just off the river. I went to check it out and I was floored. It is very shallow with rocks littered about like the freckles on my sunburnt shoulders. The light flow of the water resonated deep in my ears soothing my emotions and once again reminding me how lucky I am to be right here, right now.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqEc8C_nuItJyQmLIELG9D8CU9X4Q7vDmfjnA-TmrZ_U0ePHhVVdgvpaicfyUtskciTQ4sGs97nQgnrno1cW_R2PI0AQS3GnScZVXmWZxICdQEQoQNiTpaSkDKhuNL2MSsS5YlTo8GkZB//"><img title="Soft rocks" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqEc8C_nuItJyQmLIELG9D8CU9X4Q7vDmfjnA-TmrZ_U0ePHhVVdgvpaicfyUtskciTQ4sGs97nQgnrno1cW_R2PI0AQS3GnScZVXmWZxICdQEQoQNiTpaSkDKhuNL2MSsS5YlTo8GkZB//" alt="" width="500" height="281" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div><strong>Day 72</strong></div>
<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div>We woke up outside... NOT COLD! Nobody is more happy about this than Mr. No Tent Wally. I walked back down to the river for breakfast :)</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We rode up to the camps restaurant for, what else, coffee, and met Hudson. Hudson is from Oregon and is riding all around on his bike while his mom meets him at his next campsite. He mentioned he stayed with Marion and David at this campgrounds and they took off an hour ago. We figured we'd catch them or at least see them in Lowell soon.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>So the ride down Lochsa River continued. I will speak for everyone here, Lochsa River is our favorite river. We followed the winding river on a casual descent for almost 70 miles to Lowell.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RHZNLeebiKA4CAtfZxB0VH0hkdqxf8kTuNqS-mCuopLJJykqcLypehy7zOiS_-Qc0EvA0-Tktm2MSyjYnrf5wI-NimqgU3h4zCauFeL1ZjN3wLtTPGdkqUAmlUlXtgSi181ZDkA8bBJ1//"><img title="Yes do" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RHZNLeebiKA4CAtfZxB0VH0hkdqxf8kTuNqS-mCuopLJJykqcLypehy7zOiS_-Qc0EvA0-Tktm2MSyjYnrf5wI-NimqgU3h4zCauFeL1ZjN3wLtTPGdkqUAmlUlXtgSi181ZDkA8bBJ1//" alt="" width="500" height="281" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>As you ride directly west, pine trees lean over the road as if to shield you from the sun. Then a left turn approaches and the river widens, clearing the pines to open up views of the surrounding hilltops. As you lean into the left turn you can pear down the river to see the upcoming right turn in the river. The pine trees then reappear as you bear down the short straight away to the next right turn. Then repeat... Over 50 times repeat. Each time different, but just as beautiful as the first.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqqtWXTXRtFlRHjHhzG2YGjAhTqzLJ7bakVsorM4Guw6qJfGUa__wKDy1hEfXcGKFJ9B2wp5N9taXDi-YsP5PyqsQIYGDi4dDtLHsAQrmFOl4V_ULhbF1GQzTKZqvq56gRRQ72heO602_//"><img title="Bend" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqqtWXTXRtFlRHjHhzG2YGjAhTqzLJ7bakVsorM4Guw6qJfGUa__wKDy1hEfXcGKFJ9B2wp5N9taXDi-YsP5PyqsQIYGDi4dDtLHsAQrmFOl4V_ULhbF1GQzTKZqvq56gRRQ72heO602_//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2wPidDm_3GOiEMfNT0Z7pMEyeaYU7cNU2V78DxfuG1JMam1Wt8nQmcQkj-alteHFVdnj51hM88x6IAj924UGWyrEy6G9bPc3sribIDjhcU1yWqYxj5NhNTFlqkLgdfcWzHg5skoUFZi3//"><img title="River bend" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2wPidDm_3GOiEMfNT0Z7pMEyeaYU7cNU2V78DxfuG1JMam1Wt8nQmcQkj-alteHFVdnj51hM88x6IAj924UGWyrEy6G9bPc3sribIDjhcU1yWqYxj5NhNTFlqkLgdfcWzHg5skoUFZi3//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Unfortunately there are a few forest fires occuring and leaving plumes of smoke all across the river. However, the smoke was relatively light and provided a clearer viewing of the many dimensions in the Clear Water National Forest.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXAa2PEuaGVAu6cz3mvOPE-ukY_1FIO9zOIKqSJzvFCpJpex0BiXU_Roo41bIIejdEb6DfcVDEPPj6X3-IqAIc75JrOKwhNOFzwcIO7dIIpIUL59etiuCXthUKZ6ghiN1z_rYbr5h-Ky-//"><img title="Dimensions" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXAa2PEuaGVAu6cz3mvOPE-ukY_1FIO9zOIKqSJzvFCpJpex0BiXU_Roo41bIIejdEb6DfcVDEPPj6X3-IqAIc75JrOKwhNOFzwcIO7dIIpIUL59etiuCXthUKZ6ghiN1z_rYbr5h-Ky-//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Only a few miles <a dir="ltr">from tonight</a>'s campground, I see Marion! David and Marion and finishing up a meal at the only building in Lowell. They waiting for us while we grabbed a few sodas, chips, candy bars and Danishes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Yessir" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkT_3kdZBpNzA9m8rjgoQ9SjAqlFubjjFrngi9ISqBxsuy342BijozizXmTXKBX88Ovja-nQz7kFPcXxsL1NBtBlMFah_qWWmGDClyRX-mgjJEiQ8XIwTrw0TCe4hylORiZHXpQG0uM_-J//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch on Lochsa</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>Marion mentioned 7 miles down is a campground with showers and crappy wifi for $10. I know he loves his wifi, but I was leaning towards free.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Turns out, Wild Goose Campground is the best campground I have stayed at on this trip. Not only did it provide a gorgeous stay on the Lochsa River, but it was free!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrBTPvWWrdUIsttRpPjZmMPtvdksf-NsRqfLpurAUK1gntpFwfOGuSwC43JE9-vlR00DZvJrF7oOqC3n0u-omqKypj7km4C_UUNTYxTdqLe3hbjvCBmfPH6fzotgDcFy_NlX_iZRjISJI//"><img title="Feet" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrBTPvWWrdUIsttRpPjZmMPtvdksf-NsRqfLpurAUK1gntpFwfOGuSwC43JE9-vlR00DZvJrF7oOqC3n0u-omqKypj7km4C_UUNTYxTdqLe3hbjvCBmfPH6fzotgDcFy_NlX_iZRjISJI//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMollWWPvx5cF1ovYyDmigH9Jmf3UuSd_2ZAsyUoD41OyLb9QbqksasHl2YJ5xDvDzemOLKtK9mrL6RNZadw2OrOSu-cgF7N-xF9uuvDwSs5VbOmQV5DS8Mfq607NFiHtZzUxUZ4oCSHbL//"><img title="Beach" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMollWWPvx5cF1ovYyDmigH9Jmf3UuSd_2ZAsyUoD41OyLb9QbqksasHl2YJ5xDvDzemOLKtK9mrL6RNZadw2OrOSu-cgF7N-xF9uuvDwSs5VbOmQV5DS8Mfq607NFiHtZzUxUZ4oCSHbL//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Somehow better than the Powell Campground, I sat on the beach (yeah there is a beach here what is going on!!??) and read a chapter of a book I got from Curtis back in Darby. So serene. You couldn't wipe the smile of my face. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<div> </div>
<div>I love this river so much, I even took a bath in it!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Then it was time for a fire!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Hudson pulled into the campgrounds with his mom and David went over to say hello. Earlier David noticed some big muscle shells laid out on the beach. After asking Hudson and his mom, they said they were fresh water muscles and should be good to eat. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YV1EavjjgmPSFA-JgZkrAkmtMCtBIOKk68jKPsd4c7M7-DPviFp05ZCTRjhecJVGaomJJmLSScoR1wzeeVmjQB0TQEQsk4Wa8-AqBIBRFZXgFe5B9Fh2Z8fvB7_uNAjFvYY1UTMDGOkm//"><img title="Muscles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YV1EavjjgmPSFA-JgZkrAkmtMCtBIOKk68jKPsd4c7M7-DPviFp05ZCTRjhecJVGaomJJmLSScoR1wzeeVmjQB0TQEQsk4Wa8-AqBIBRFZXgFe5B9Fh2Z8fvB7_uNAjFvYY1UTMDGOkm//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>David and I went hunting in the shallow riverbed, collected some, heated them over the fire until they popped open and.... Didn't eat a single one. We cooked 6. They were giant. We inspected all of them, but couldn't get ourselves to eat one. David went as far as to lick one, but that was it. We threw them back on the beach for some lucky birds.</div>
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<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnA16N5hGJFJ4sQ3Mm7wbeEILI5m5f_TqPDBZY8V6RTkcNzKbQTIuJZIfncZe6Zf-qjFrqtCyaMAK7-JBy-wxF5_gqq3_MJGxSN0OpctAlYDYTay3Jt5vZomvI_B3LDGhtTai2c-U4OoG//"><img title="David's suckles" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnA16N5hGJFJ4sQ3Mm7wbeEILI5m5f_TqPDBZY8V6RTkcNzKbQTIuJZIfncZe6Zf-qjFrqtCyaMAK7-JBy-wxF5_gqq3_MJGxSN0OpctAlYDYTay3Jt5vZomvI_B3LDGhtTai2c-U4OoG//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Late night while the fire was roaring a couple, Brendan and Rachel, showed up on bicycles and offered to bring over s'mores once they ate dinner and set up their tents. We waited and waited. Even to the point where nobody had anything to say, but we had s'mores on the mind and we all would have killed for one. It got to late and as we were pouring water on the fire they made their way over. Timing is everything. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>We ended up talking in the dark a little anyways. Turns out this couple is dashing to the improvised finish line in Seattle so Brendan can get to work in Denver. They are moving there together once the trip is completed, but don't even have a place yet. I have heard this before from other people and I love it.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>After saying goodnight to everyone, I rolled into my tent without the rain fly for the first time in a long time. It is warm and I get to wake up to the site of the river!</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>Day 73</strong></div>
<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div>Ahhh, the Lochsa River is my new best friend! It has made me forget about having zero cell service for two days and has calmed all my nerves. Even the road we have been on has no shoulder and leaves cars and trucks little room to pass. It would be scary, but like I said, Lochsa has stolen my nerves.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XXyt3K9V71nDQdZBFSGOSi9eboKSxl8LwGR5dYyOPKu19kgCrq2qQHF1_t_cDMH6x4Tz-FXQm3_U0h75WkpsQTG7sJCvJdW8Mts_krgyGCwSANQ43NYoTcU0wif6xDwtm-UFc010gmnV//"><img title="Ride" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XXyt3K9V71nDQdZBFSGOSi9eboKSxl8LwGR5dYyOPKu19kgCrq2qQHF1_t_cDMH6x4Tz-FXQm3_U0h75WkpsQTG7sJCvJdW8Mts_krgyGCwSANQ43NYoTcU0wif6xDwtm-UFc010gmnV//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Today will be a short day because we have a Warm Showers host in Grangeville and shower, laundry and free board trumps all.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The couple from last night, Brendan and Rachel, snuck out before us. We caught up to them just before re-entering civilation in Kooskia. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>I got to talk with Brendan for a little. It's always nice to have fresh ears!</div>
<div> </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="CB" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o_-qafwfht8ppXNU6-7JW7WvPbU0GRyampWn3dUokVE12tF1rxSceh-Xvdt4xn6bbe2K9ImhE3Pye3HtBADBzfUphufUZ9sh8TUs5GRAKxaKVV3QEpJdA73yUAnZMVYYKMUOUHtlxuwA//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel, Brendan and Dan</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>At last we rode into Kooskia seven deep. I shared an early lunch with new and old friends as well all huddled over our phones not saying a word to each other. Ugh, 2 days without service or wifi will do that to anyone from 26 to 65 years old. But I got everyone to look up for a picture!</div>
<div> </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Crew" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Au-dCs2ewDZ29hU6i_qFDyKTtxXkEygwAMZFwYCxpk_HeBFdLUs6yAts0Jn2sJsubS0X3vF-uLyGQh4n8aCgFxaRKW7Fy30vo6B0eLsxR2MKeHNHdc21WHwqJY3ApNEWOauhY0NLc1po//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Left to right) Marion, David, Dan, Wally, Brendan, Rachel</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>We said our goodbye's and good luck's to Danny Boy, Brendan and Rachel. Dan is headed for the more direct route to Portland, the Lewis and Clark trail on the Columbia River Gorge while Brendan and Rachel dash for Seattle.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptfwxP6B9PwKKImZd3azFPTKf35G8RNA5BbJV3h4MiY5v1t6ysKYr_O6lpGICOdtov5Hc02X1I5vuXYqyUTmYJv7Fzcq_VfqYdKvMjVetmih7ZHHAM6pV-XYqxU_sC4A6jCJAW4y8FnAS//"><img title="Kooskia" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptfwxP6B9PwKKImZd3azFPTKf35G8RNA5BbJV3h4MiY5v1t6ysKYr_O6lpGICOdtov5Hc02X1I5vuXYqyUTmYJv7Fzcq_VfqYdKvMjVetmih7ZHHAM6pV-XYqxU_sC4A6jCJAW4y8FnAS//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Marion, David, Wally and I continued onward toward Grangeville, but not before we hit <em>the</em> climb. It is <em>the </em>climb because we knew it was coming, but damn it was tough. It was up to 15% grade at times. I haven't struggled on a climb like this since Virginia. Also, I haven't dripped sweat like this since the heat wave ended in Eastern Colorado. I haven't soaked through a shirt like this since the Ozarks!</div>
<div> </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Ah" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQfacjBRCzMHzk07UReob4NVsO8Mq6PBBBR1bHuDPNfByZBjzVKuoMD7Ts_kzRqldb1n_GjD8EsGJWg_9vkQA7NdqPNyT2qP6PYk_joENjlnA0BKMF2nlRIZiAzTcEGxrDbwlyHk1KCtm//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah the incline!</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>Alas we made it to the top, but we were all beat. Thank god for the short day! I barely made it to Subway for dinner.</div>
<div> </div>
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There was no big downhill after this climb. We rode through was looked like a mountainous Kansas. But dark, soft soil means potatoes!!! I need an Idaho potato and still haven't gotten one!
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Not Kansas" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcuLthCty1d92AP3wovLGeq0OCedaagmau8NMH4-V4N_AgNVcQCwxGEo_bqqSkglsB7n83zDhv-gP7yMW-sagXol94OpkP7TpNN9vpto4Q4jWAmZIZyTazOU2S63YvMslpqiIa-Dc-FlI//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Kansas</td>
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<div>After a rough calculation, I had 989 miles from Missoula which now puts me at 815 miles left in 17 days. Roughly 48 miles a day. I have plenty of time, but wish I had more. It is a bittersweet feeling as these days wind down. I won't react further until it is all said and done. </div>
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<div>Now I need to prepare for another fantasy football draft!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-51082505245956237592016-08-28T19:23:00.000-07:002016-08-28T19:23:50.401-07:00Days 67, 68 & 69: Meat and Mead<div><strong>Dillon, MT to Wisdom, MT to Darby, MT to Missoula, MT</strong></div>
<div><strong> </strong></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Mileage: 67.5 + 58 + 68.9 = 194.4</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 4,008.4</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Average Speed: 12.5 / 13.7 / 14.5</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Elevation Gain: 3,573 / 1,651 / 828</strong></span></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W92e1ldujDA">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 67</a></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGZMzs0SWUk">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 68</a></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44FykGi5F9o">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 69</a></div>
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<div>I completed my first fantasy draft of the year spending almost 2 totals hours just sitting in Subway. The library was closed and Wally sat with me enjoying the free wifi. I say we earned it for having lunch and dinner there. I still get weekly deals texted to me and this was the best ever. Get any foot long with a drink, get any foot long for free. We finished with 6 feet of Subway for 27 bucks!</div>
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<div><strong>Day 67</strong></div>
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<div><strong>
</strong></div>
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<div>Wally and I woke up freezing in Dillon, but we knew we would. The plan was the find a warm place by 6AM... That place was McDonalds. </div>
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<div>We spoke with a nice man from Wyoming who told of us his love for bikes. He praised us to know end and I think we inspired him to get back on the bike a few more hours a week.</div>
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<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Then we went to Subway for the final two feet of sandwich. They never hit redeem on my phone... So we kept cashing in.</div>
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<div>Once the sun finally did its work and the temperature was reasonable, we rode toward the last big pass we will see on this trip. Then again, each hill after this one will be the last big hill until I am soaking my feed in the sand of the Pacific.</div>
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<div>Like I announced in my Snapchat, it feels and smells like October 31. This is not the August weather I thought I'd be riding in.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="My" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemLCl4k7XyyNKROHGVcojEbeYEJsaL34gyCG5Jo1QunzBWGlWaw3-djGiYBvuWKChF0vu6CAO-18K6sdo0xkOMzWQFbpDpYw_cgFO1CW_o9akQIhpqoAfqh_sMWbQdzltlBoK1kJnzrhr//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montana</td>
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<div>I went as far as to pull up this picture on Instagram and daydream of beads of sweat sliding down my back into my crack. I'll take the heat any day. The cold is depressing.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Sweat" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1etnmLbRfVBbG87_e9qx0aWK6NLjyHlwFahJ4N1PCE33X3abiawi0hEJUQ8SdwggIbuCUDFJqI65I99gpuwYKafMQshkm_dP6FKDpSjbTPDYA-dh5eFh13thRk-owTYg8oP9zo7HWO9tp//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweat baby, sweat</td>
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<div>Luckily the two climbs heated Wally and I sufficiently for us to remove our jackets only to throw them back on for the bitter cold descents. I can deal with the cold wind if it means I'm zipping down a hill at 40 MPH.</div>
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<div>We have heard several times about "the big hole" and how cold it gets. I had no idea what this hole was and if we were going to be in it. I hoped not. Then we reached the top of our second climb and there it was...</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpW07Cl89-e7aDR_pywOkOJ2wqsU4QPfNr1s9e9HThUeB-VOttpfJcnwMooIE5W_6OgNOpnD67jz3uvoidBltvLsd4jIhmUE4JlffxyK9nyvSZ-RiRkNtw_flPsp5VgMYrY2LyvzKHaHE//"><img title="Big hole sign" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpW07Cl89-e7aDR_pywOkOJ2wqsU4QPfNr1s9e9HThUeB-VOttpfJcnwMooIE5W_6OgNOpnD67jz3uvoidBltvLsd4jIhmUE4JlffxyK9nyvSZ-RiRkNtw_flPsp5VgMYrY2LyvzKHaHE//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div>I guess it's going to be a cold night.</div>
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<div>We arrived in Jackson where we planned to stay at a hot springs resort. It was still early, around 1:30, so we opted to have lunch and continue to Wisdom, MT where the maps say there is a hostel. With such a short day yesterday, we would lose our minds in this small town with so much time to kill before bed... Again, so to Wisdom we went.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLKdzuCqIyjAC6B0h17bBj0KCIDO85yXBZggAGCvuUHwMhb1af2mzPwFGizIu78DkNCX-vKE2fvq10mMclA2vXZ-itBjIZGneP4g84VUBTSW_YTipNkn1gydrfTUSu1bbGlAEzV9lLx4g//"><img title="Tana" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLKdzuCqIyjAC6B0h17bBj0KCIDO85yXBZggAGCvuUHwMhb1af2mzPwFGizIu78DkNCX-vKE2fvq10mMclA2vXZ-itBjIZGneP4g84VUBTSW_YTipNkn1gydrfTUSu1bbGlAEzV9lLx4g//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div>Turns out Wisdom is even smaller than Jackson! Moreover, nobody in town has any idea about a hostel and kept informing us there is one in Jackson. Nope, too late to turn back. That is 18 miles the other way and we were not turning back.</div>
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<div>I started to bar hop to ask questions. The hop consisted of a total of one short walk across the street to the second bar. Here I met an amazing family from Minnesota; the two sisters drove from Missoula where they both went to college. It would seem this is a new family tradition (this being the second year) where they meet in Wisdom and go hiking for a week.</div>
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<div>Strike me down for not remembering a single one of their names and I know they are going to read this so please comment and remind me because you guys were awesome! They bought Wally and I a beer and shared their regular and sweet potato fries with us. All the kindness we need to make this small town feel a little bigger.</div>
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<div>Next, our job was to motel hop. Again, just two motels. We were not sleeping in mid-20 degree temperature so this was the final option. They were both around $75 for a room and we went with the second place. We made the right choice. This place is beautiful!</div>
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<div>Wally and I kicked our feet up, watched Step Brothers, and we're very content knowing we would be warm and of course, clean.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Limbs" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNdv8uiiyngkZojIcBMm7mbAAKAD0XrhSezNUmlknKBHVvnQbIdoPttduosHTX2HjveWISDBtsDVM2KH-oti6vqoMT1_YHXYbJmdJ5NxUoyQ7MsZC988ZVfwAC6ep8cHEGJb3YzFrvFNE//" alt="" width="421" height="750" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation chart for Day 67</td>
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<div><strong>Day 68</strong></div>
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<div><strong>
</strong></div>
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<div>The only thing in the fridge and freezer was coffee grounds. Wally made a pot and it was incredible coffee. I don't think it was the improvised McDonald's napkin filter either.</div>
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<div> </div>
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<div>With belly's full of Poptarts, peanut butter and 6 cups of coffee, we took off toward Darby where our Warm Showers host, Curtis, awaited us.</div>
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<div>Curtis texted me days earlier and asked if we wanted Elk steaks and sweet potatoes or trattoria style shrimp fettuccine for dinner. Are you kidding me? Both please! Only kidding, we had to go with fresh killed Elk!</div>
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<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>10 miles out of town we stopped by the Nez-Perce Reservation where the Big Hole Battle took place. A truly devastating battle in which many lives were lost on both sides, but the US took no mercy murdering woman and children and driving the Nez-Perce out of their land leaving their loved ones unburied. Horrific stuff.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Battle" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltjV4FsLYWpL0k6dJzNlTDPjw6e5dF09drvKC7u5rt5L-BHd82gWUr15JKp4ZU5bXoZBTdy9f12OBYHbdbmNm77L-JTdvwojSSx6B6hsMsq7e8cP7hT4NbNVl9eWWmugNr7FUxwGZ82P4//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Hole Battlefield</td>
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<div>On to lighter notes, we rode up another big hill and it is the second to last continental divide pass of the trip. I think the Lolo pass will be the final after Missoula.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9CXbENXHsp-PEw3DjZsyw4ApvaAKiUX1k5Hrha1vx1AXN882o3MBd3o0iOkc7ek6sxsqXerD7MMJ-1SS17vNQeRv3WUUXDTdvBG4_MhT-ExGl5QY2ZjbYAikgbAy06PA5x703GrpMADI//"><img title="Divide" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9CXbENXHsp-PEw3DjZsyw4ApvaAKiUX1k5Hrha1vx1AXN882o3MBd3o0iOkc7ek6sxsqXerD7MMJ-1SS17vNQeRv3WUUXDTdvBG4_MhT-ExGl5QY2ZjbYAikgbAy06PA5x703GrpMADI//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div>Now finally we get to enjoy a two day downhill to Missoula. I did not pedal once as we flew down 8 miles to Sula, MT where we stopped for snacks and a free bag of chips! The big size too!</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Montanaana" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGCuk2E9tUUIFxVwjRlcKERXTIYmFLCNDQmuJUcsHc2-s_M6GsFneSYqXPKchjqtDU5VpWWrmBtRzmxT40f44OqbPjdtXd5PAjoDr80D_T7L3FTbmmwfK_56O93yV0xh6u50AYsxb8pGi//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We snuck into Idaho for a second only to slip back into Montana</td>
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<div>It was a gorgeous ride.</div>
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<div>We arrived in Darby, MT. A cute town not unlike most of the towns in Montana and Wyoming provided there is over 50 people inhabiting it.</div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Darby, MT</td>
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<div>Curtis was a great host. The Elk steaks that he had marinating since 8 AM were incredible and the sweet potatoes were like no sweet potatoes I have ever had. It's been a while since I have had proper potatoes and an Irish boy needs his potatoes. These hit the spot.</div>
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<div>After dinner, as promised on the Warm Showers feedback, we got a mead tasting!</div>
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<div>I have read all five <em>Game of Thrones</em> books and seen every episode more than once. I have probably heard and read the term, "meat and mead" over 100 times. I think I always assumed mead was some sort of red wine. Truly I never gave it much thought.</div>
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<div>Mead is essentially wine, except instead of fermenting grapes, you ferment honey. Which I didn't even think was possible, but we learn something new every day.</div>
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<div>Curtis had us try all 12 "flavors" but my favorite was the true mead. The King's Mead. This is definitely something I would keep around the apartment. I really enjoyed it.</div>
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<div>Curtis then took us down the block to the local brewery where I had the best beer of my life. Bandit Brewing's own Golden Strong Ale. If you closed your eyes you'd think its a stout. This espresso vanilla ale came to life on my tastebuds. You can taste the espresso and vanilla separately but it also wasn't filling or too sweet. The 8.5% ABV ale is on the top of my charts and I will be hunting for a sip of this beer again.</div>
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<div>With a strong buzz going and a nice stroll through town, Curtis has made this one of my favorite nights of the trip. Great food, great company, a brilliant new experiences with the mead and finding my new favorite beer... What could be better? </div>
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<div>Oh yeah... Bed, shower, laundry.</div>
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<div><strong>Day 69</strong></div>
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<div><strong>
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<div>Curtis made us scrambled eggs with pesto and bacon in the morning. It keeps getting better! After breakfast he planned to roll out with us to Hamilton, but once we were outside and ready to roll, he noticed a flat. Wally and I rode on without him and stocked up on $1 6-pack of honey buns at the dollar general. Great store.</div>
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<div>I didn't mention this and won't get into too much detail, but Wally is now fixing up his third flat three days. We needed to stop at the Red Barn Bicycle shop just before Hamilton so he could grab a few new tubes.</div>
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<div>Very cool little shop a mile off the route. I don't know how anyone knows this place is there.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Tandem" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93a6vzOAfIPcXICyVKg5jETWpjrdI3IxMT8wjWdtZ3KgsbsIV8pR-XmgDLaK39_-v1chPSYedPVBtvjytVN3QRFYs5Kxewt6jH8bFl7OaPq7TiDARscPe1xpK0gdf9cDClOTrlBuvP8-B//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 person tandem!</td>
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<div>There is a bike path all the way from Hamilton to Missoula. Wally and I hated it at first. I mean the bike path is great, but the scenery was brutal. Right up next to a highway to our right and nothing to see to our left. Between that and the rest of the way being relatively flat, it's hard to get into a good rhythm. Then again, we had tail winds so we kept our mouths mostly shut.</div>
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<div>I'd like to say I'm changing Wally's luck with the wind direction. It was been dramatically in our favor since we left Twin Bridges. Soon he will be Tailwinds Wally!</div>
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<div>The scenery did finally open up as we approached Missoula. Even better as we entered town, there were designated bike paths!</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Clouds" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPp3C8gZkAEMR08WaWpi3NxShbkHfj9iH_ylTPt0miCl6QkTfZWProT2lTmn4iWCGCYwbVARA74gEpd1ofwwq3YBObXuJQCphKmZUq2wZYnfehePxmYZg-8Qwvjsl1KFyzjOIqTzUAhHm//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those clouds</td>
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<div>We stopped at El Diablo at the edge of town for a burrito. They were excellent. Think of an upscale Chipotle. I got white fish and Gorgonzola on my burrito, I think you get the point.</div>
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<div>We arrived at our famous Warm Showers host, Bill Anderson. This place is basically a free hostel. I haven't seen Bill and at this point probably won't. The house is open for all to come and go as they please. He has hosted over 600 cyclist in the last three years. The living room, where we set up our air pads to sleep, is complete with a drum set, grand piano, sound proofing and recording mics. I don't typically use this term, but it's dope.</div>
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<div>Then I spotted a plum colored Surly. I knew right away it is Marion's. I texted David and he told me he was at one of the brewery's. Then texted Colin and told him to meet us there.</div>
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<div>REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD!</div>
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<div>It is great to see David all smiles as he was probably on beer number 6, 7 or 8 paired with one of his closest friends he made on his motorcycle trip a few years ago, Paul. </div>
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<div>With a planned day off on Sunday for us all, it looks like Marion, David, Colin, Wally and I will be rolling out of Missoula together. We are becoming a mega-wolfpack.</div>
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<div>There was a free music and food festival right in downtown Missoula. We lost David, but Wally, Colin and I rocked on and then found the nearest bar for one last night cap. It was the college bar. It felt weird to be back in that setting only 4 years removed. You could feel the excitement from the students that summer was over and they were back in college. Fun times.</div>
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<div>Wally and I continued on with our fun times as we stumbled back to Bruce's with lo mein in our fists.</div>
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<div>Missoula is a very awesome city. I keep wanting to say town... I guess it is a "college town." There are bicycles and brewery's everywhere and everyone is so friendly. This will be a very nice day off.</div>
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<div>So I have reached 4,000 miles and by my calculations I have about 989 to go. I'm sure with a turn here and a turn there I will reach 5,000. This is the home stretch!</div>
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<div>Monday morning we will check out the ACA and then it's off for the final leg. I am very excited for what the last 20 days has in store for me. It has been an incredible journey thus far.</div>
Day 70 - Rest Day
I was going to end the blog there, but this day off was spectacular.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's the sunroom I'm in now</td>
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I started off by writing this blog in the beautiful sunroom. At 11 I went to the grocery store and picked up ground beef, beans and an onion to make food for the next few meals. Not great food, but it's 3 cheap meals!
Then I made my way to the University of Montana. Very nice school with school with a beautiful quad. So I did what I would have done on the Manhattan College Quadrangle; I took my shirt off of sun tanned. I probably would have had some beer in Riverdale, but here I was enjoying rolling around in the soft grass with my tunes on. Of course, I couldn't lay still, so I completed 100 push-ups and a few handstands.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember that "M" up in the mountain</td>
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After breaking a small sweat I headed toward the river and into downtown. Here I got an Avacado Lime ice cream cone. So refreshing!
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I found myself by the river again a little further down stream. Some dudes were surfing on the breaks so I dipped my feet in and watched them fail countless times.
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Further back upstream I walked until I found a multitude of college kids relaxing in the water under a pedestrian bridge. I noticed a sign that said:
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It made sense to me, the river never seemed too deep. Then I reached the middle of the bridge and there were guys and girls jumping off. Once I saw this I knew I had to do it. I also knew Colin would love it so I shot him a text. Once he showed up we took our turns leaping into the Clark Fork River. See Instagram for the jump!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToj05QZBAw7zqC6SLhhfPqD24ymrkON1M8EibXSaXSDY6dbKpvTXmNGpzITLtjj_uImUcfXdWTml-2C3NRO4glCzRZpsdSm4XIGhbiWkhnE_63M38Ogcnd-cjROks9aLt6KGlyukjSPD9//"><img title="River jump" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToj05QZBAw7zqC6SLhhfPqD24ymrkON1M8EibXSaXSDY6dbKpvTXmNGpzITLtjj_uImUcfXdWTml-2C3NRO4glCzRZpsdSm4XIGhbiWkhnE_63M38Ogcnd-cjROks9aLt6KGlyukjSPD9//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></a></div>
For the final activity Colin had convinced us last night to hike up to the "M". Wally and I foolishly agreed. I was already tired from my tour around Missoula, but I wasn't backing out now.
We met in the quad at 5 and climbed up Mount Sentinel. I take back being foolish. The climb was a sweat breaker, but it was very beautiful at the top.
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="View a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6J9xI7D1a9iQHWDh5YzckH609JlFP6URWJ82J_qozbft0p9cn0pvw6fKqmGHoHYBpMzi56t4ydeuzGmF_6v2IAsuhV6AqNCYZZwwa11DgF9-hyTaoOJe2wEdpMfjo5eGZhJ8fU5XW9iw//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the campus and more</td>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Stadium" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71aUxTZK_3PYKHSftFTrmwxU_A9DVQgGE50fq18GwnArwkkxuTuQ01BeVOmnRYbJbHIMjSU771ak8j3F7vgaSnGSXbEa2-5g_1pNBfc03qsK9aJ1HMGRN2mpRYcom4nyW_SLuhCFzJKN7//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Stadium, River and Downtown</td>
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I could see my entire walk earlier today from Bruce's house through campus, across the bridge, into downtown, back toward the river, where I jumped in the river and back to Bruce's. I am in love with this town. It was a perfect "rest" day. It's also nice that it finally feels like summer again.
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It's a rest day like this where I could stay another few days, but on the other hand, it excistes me to keeping going. And keep going I will.
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Hells yeah" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuU7ICMjdP-TdQvtNbh5u-WIzGeYbxhFAYUNkQWYLK66mBXz8OClahzHK29qLmQPyyBKhdWZiEsQBdOv37X_KCGLqs6LNk-rQaUD0gPJcfVJouE-rB43QJQcoFEfwkLDEvx9H4dp0BaUgR//" alt="" width="500" height="281" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hellz YAS</td>
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<div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-50901624958092664962016-08-24T13:13:00.002-07:002016-08-24T13:14:57.056-07:00Day 65 & 66: Take It Eeeeeeasy<b>Ennis, MT to Twin Bridges, MT to Dillon, MT</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">2 Day Mileage: 43.9 + 27.1 = 71.0</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Total Mileage: 3,814</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">3 Day Average Speed (MPH): 11.7 / 16.2</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">3 Day Elevation Gain (ft): 2,152 / 683</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1NtTld1yqU">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 65</a><br />
MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 66<br />
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After Wally and I closed out the library in Ennis on day 64, we headed out for a Mexican restaurant. Turns out neither of our GPS could find the place, so we pulled a U turn and headed for the center of town and found a bar.<br />
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After chatting it up with Sarah, our bartender, she told us that Willie's Distillery allows cyclist to camp right behind the distillery. We rolled our bikes across the street and tried some moonshine, honey whiskey, bourbon and cafe liquor. All very good.<br />
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We then got talking to our bartender there, Taylor. After a lot of chit chat turns out her grandmother is turning 100 this week; a healthy, physically and mentally active 100. On the other hand, her grandfather lost his life to the Alzheimer's Disease.<br />
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She was very pleased to inform us that her father presented her with a decision when she was around 13 years old. After explaining the Alzheimer's Disease to her, her father told her she could either see her grandfather everyday until he dies in this poor mental state, likely having no idea who she is, or she could say a final goodbye and forever remember the great relationship she had with him.<br />
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She chose the latter and this is why she was all smiles when she spoke of her grandfather. I admire that decision and the fact she was able to understand what her decision meant at such a young age.<br />
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This is another story that sheds light on the difficulty the Alzheimer's Disease can be, not just to a single person, but to a family at large.<br />
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Once again I would like to thank everyone who has shown their support for me on this trip by donating the the Alzheimer's Association. If you have not donated, there is still time! I have over 1,000 miles to go over Monatana, Idaho and Oregon and I am almost 50% of the way to my goal. That is almost $5,000!!! It looks like I will be close to biking 5,000 miles. If I can raise a dollar a mile I will be beyond happy.<br />
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If you have been enjoying this blog (or even if you hate it) and want to show your support please <a href="http://act.alz.org/site/TR?px=11887285&fr_id=8480&pg=personal">click here</a> or follow the link at the top of the page. There is no minimum and every dollar helps. 100% of the proceeds go toward awareness, research, care and support and to one day eliminate making a decision to not see your living grandparent like Taylor had to make.<br />
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Also, here is a picture my mom gave me at the start of my trip of my grandmother in her WWII uniform. She suffered from and ultimately passed away due to Alzheimer's. I see it every morning when I pack and it's a great reminder that no amount of "suffering" I deal with on this trip can compare to what millions of people are struggling through everyday not just from Alzheimer's.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she gorgeous!</td></tr>
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Thank you!<br />
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<b>Day 65</b><br />
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Wally and I woke up to the sweet smell of whiskey. What better?!<br />
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We hit up the local cafe and loaded up on breakfast. I ordered today's special of corn beef hash and two eggs for five bucks, but the kicker was Indian Fry Bread. You ever heard of Indian Fry Bread? Like Native American Indian, not naan or something like that. It is a light fried loaf of bread loaded with butter and cinnamon. I find it hard to believe the Indians were frying bread and dousing it with cinnamon sugar, but damn it was good.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note: Not that cafe we ate at</td></tr>
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That extra fat and carbs were much appreciated as Wally and I tackled a 2,000 foot climb over 8 miles to start the day. I felt like I was back in the Appalachians! Not to mention the headwinds were barreling down on us. I guess it's slow and steady this morning.<br />
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Once we finally reached the top, we flew down to Virginia City. Virginia City and the following town, Nevada City, have been left to look like they are still in the late 1800s. It was a very cool look, so I filtered some photos to embody that look.<br />
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Our goal today was to only go as far as Twin Bridges. There was a free bike hostel with showers, which Wally and I both desperately needed. Then the next day I would only go as far as <strike>Dilson</strike> Dillon where I knew there was a McDonald's.<br />
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The McDonald's was important for the free WIFI because I have very important fantasy football draft tonight. It is a little unfortunate that this is influencing my travels, but I have the time to slow down, so why not. Also, if I win the league, I win money... more money is never a bad thing despite what the <a href="https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=mo+money+mo+problems#id=1&vid=d0217d8deb297079af49d50b355ec3fd&action=click">Notorious B.I.G.</a> will tell you... then again, I've never had as much as him.<br />
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We reached Twin Bridges early and met a German couple who has two years to travel the world by bike. They were very friendly in introducing themselves, but after that, seemed to hate every question we had. We let them be.<br />
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Then we met very enthusiastic Mark who took time off to break away from a scheduled life and finally be a "wondering soul." He just came off a 96 mile day but showed no signs of it. All he wanted to do was to get to Yellowstone. I wasn't going to rain on his parade. I simply gave him all the tricks and tips up my sleeves and wished him luck.<br />
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For dinner I went to the grocery store and bought what I thought was Sloppy Joe in a can. It was actually just the sauce which provides almost no nutrients. I made a second trip back to the grocery store for some ground beef. I cooked a pound of ground beef on my stove and ended up having a really good 6 dollar dinner. Not to mention leftovers for breakfast!<br />
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I think I have found a new inexpensive meal to cook! I'm going to need it... All those dinners and motels with Mike and Ryan and catching up. My spreadsheet shows I'm down to $20 a day. I'll make it.<br />
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<b>Day 66</b><br />
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Wally and I rose casually and were out of Twin Bridges by 9:45 ish. We only have 28 miles today and I thank Wally a bunch of sticking with me.<br />
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Being alone is not so bad on the bike, but when you reach a town like <strike>Dilson</strike> Dillon where there is no official place to camp, it is nice to have a buddy at your side when you decided to pop a squat in the town park.<br />
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Short day means a short story. With almost no elevations, TAILWINDS and no lefts or rights we reached <strike>Dilson</strike> Dillon before noon in an hour and 40 minutes.<br />
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There were a bunch of signs for the Lewis and Clark trail which we are very close to. That would have been one hell of a journey with Sacajawea.<br />
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There is the town library where I am at now, a Subway, Starbucks, McDonalds and at least one coffee shop all with WIFI. I will be bouncing around until 7 PM when my drafts starts. <strike>Dilson </strike>Dillon is an okay town, but I would have blown right through it if there was anything promising up ahead. Apparently that is not the case.<br />
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Until then it is Jackson, Darby and Missoula where the <a href="https://www.adventurecycling.org/">ACA</a> HQ is. That is my next milestone and the furthest north I will be on this trip. Then I head southwest through Idaho! I am praying for warmer weather.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-20888669029470271332016-08-24T11:47:00.002-07:002016-08-24T11:47:35.199-07:00Days 61, 62, 63 & 64: Yellowstone and Montana!<b>Rest day in Grant Village, Yellowstone to Norris, Yellowstone to West Yellowstone, MT to Ennis, MT</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">3 Day Mileage: 53.5 + 64.8 + 68.9 = 187.2 </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Total Mileage: 3,743</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">3 Day Average Speed (MPH): 13.4 / 13.1 / 15.2</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">3 Day Elevation Gain (ft): 1,982 / 1,274 / 1,454</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">If you really missed my Snapchats while I was in Yellowstone, have no fear, I kept taking them and you can watch them all like always on Youtube!</span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMzLMty5fYk"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 61</span></span></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgIuunbiBZQ"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 62</span></span></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39yCQaem0Io">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 63</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koAI8_zAnTQ">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 64 </a><br />
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<b>Day 60 - Rest Day</b><br />
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Ahhhhhh.... After getting my blog written before noon, I visited the grocery store and picked up half dozen eggs, a package of ham and two sticks of string cheese. Grand total: about $8.<br />
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No service or WIFI sucked, but I accepted it and decided to make the best of my day off. <br />
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I headed back for camp to make lunch. I contemplated poaching eggs, but having never attempted the task, I chose to hard boil.<br />
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Marion, David and Colin were out doing their own thing and Joel and his family had already left, so I had the camp to myself. I threw on my headphones and rocked out to music while I sipped coffee and let the eggs harden.<br />
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Finally, the eggs were done and I made myself a ham, hard boiled egg and cheese wrap. Pretty substantial lunch... and I had enough egg and ham to make two more meals. Take that Yellowstone Grill!<br />
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Feeling good and groovin' to the music, I took off to gather wood for tonight's campfire. For which I had already decided I was going to have some beers. I know, my stomach is finally feeling better, but when you need a drink, you need a drink.<br />
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After collecting wood I checked the map and wanted to see if I could take a casual hike to West Thumb Geyser. Unless you are a park ranger, you know nothing. Nobody else who works here could tell me if there was a hiking trail to the geyser so I took matters into my own hand and went exploring toward the water.<br />
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Here I found myself with the entire lakeside to myself!<br />
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It was gorgeous and beyond peaceful. The headphones were off at this point as I did not want to be attacked by a bear from behind. Ya never know! There are signs everywhere to remind you to bring your bear spray when you go hiking. I had David's in my bag.<br />
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I even got my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/clarklittle/?hl=en">Clark Little</a> on.<br />
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What do you know, a bear paw print in the sand!<br />
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It's hard to make out. The top part that looks like the toes are actually the back splash of the bear's step. The whole print is just below that, there you can make out the toes and paw which is the dark shadow.<br />
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I am really enjoying the peace of no internet connection... for now.<br />
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After my walk, we all reconvened at the campsite, collected more wood, grabbed beer and burgers and lit the fire.<br />
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Wally once again caught up on our rest day and joined the festivities. It was a blast again, drinking and telling stories. Except when David gave his pessimistic view on the world in 200 years. If humans are still around, I had to disagree.<br />
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After about 8 beers (6, 16 ozs) in the course of 5 hours, I was feeling nice and buzzed, but I am not used to drinking like this so exhaustion ensued and it was bed time.<br />
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A great day of rest.<br />
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<br />
<b>Day 62</b><br />
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Oh god it's cold. Oh man I'm exhausted. Oh no... I think I'm hungover.<br />
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A slight hangover, but it's there. I feel like throwing up, but at least my stomach isn't in knots. I won't lie, I regret the beers. My body needed more time to rest, but like I said, when you need a drink, you need a drink.<br />
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So I mentioned on Facebook I would be taking my time to go all around Yellowstone. David, Marion and Colin were going to head west right to West Yellowstone on the Transam and make their way out, while I would head east around the<a href="http://www.jackdennisfishingtrips.com/maps/YellowstonePark.jpg"> figure eight </a>that is Yellowstone. Wally was down to join me.<br />
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Wally and I stayed in the grill to charge our phones and enjoy free refills on coffee while the weather warmed up. We did not head out until around 11. That was okay with me, I was slowly recuperating.<br />
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When we did finally make our way out, I felt good. Not 100% but my legs felt ready to go.<br />
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It only took 10 miles for me to realize the rest of my body was not ready for this. Like I said, the knotted stomach was not an issue, but my whole body felt worn out and fatigued.<br />
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Wally is a great guy to ride with. Not only does he have less weight than me by far, but as a triathlon athlete, he is a beast. Regardless, he stuck with me the whole way.<br />
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Wally is a crazy dude. I mean that in a good way and I know he would agree. He was/still is in the military as special intelligence and you totally get that vibe from him. I love hearing, "Roger that!" when I tell him I need to pull over to piss.<br />
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Another thing about Wally, at least coming from him, he always catches the headwinds. He is Headwinds Wally. So sticking true to this, we faced headwinds all 65 miles of today's ride. This was not helping my fatigue, but I battled through enjoying the views.<br />
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As we rolled through the evergreens I was on the lookout for wildlife. I have seen none thus far besides the little squirrels at our campsite and a few ducks and crows by the lake.<br />
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Then an orange construction sign about 30 yards off the road caught my vision. I whipped my head to the right to see it, then did a double take when I saw a brown leg or maybe a tail through the trees. I slammed on the brakes and Wally and I doubled back.<br />
<br />
I peered through the trees and there was the tail of a buffalo. As I pointed this to Wally, multiple cars slowed to catch of a glimpse of what we were seeing, but with little patients, they drove on.<br />
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Wally and I made our way through the woods making sure to adhere to the 25 yard rule. The woods opened to a clearing and there they were, two big beautiful buffalo! Awesome! Check.<br />
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The rest of the ride was on and off for me. Mostly off, but the sites kept me going. If I felt 20% on Day 60, then I am feeling 50-60% today.<br />
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<br />
At one of our rest stops we found a topographic map of Yellowstone. It looked like the point just after the middle of the figure-eight (where I planned to go) was a giant hill climb. I could not stomach the idea. I think I would stick with Wally and cut through the figure eight to Norris.<br />
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To provide more insight into how great Wally is, he was willing to go North with me to Tower Falls if I really wanted to see all of Yellowstone. He was indifferent and would be happy to stick with me. We decided on making a final decision when we had to at Canyon Village.<br />
<br />
On we went to enjoy Mud Springs, Lower Falls and herds of buffalo causing traffic jams. People in cars don't mind buffalo in their way, but love to get pissed of at a cyclist. No love for the fellow human...<br />
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We reached Canyon Village and I could have fallen asleep on the sidewalk in the sun. It was no question Wally and I were going to Norris. Only 12 more miles... into the wind of course.<br />
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At the moment, I didn't care about seeing more falls or more buffalo or bears or coyotes or petrified wood. I just wanted to sleep.<br />
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Wally took the lead and I drafted him the 12 miles to Norris. The campgrounds said full, but Yellowstone makes a point to always find or make room for hiker/bikers. It was only $5 per site, a miracle, and happened to be gorgeous.<br />
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<br />
I told Wally I wanted to hit Old Faithful which was 30 miles south, then ride 16 miles back north and exit out of Madison to ride a final 14 miles to West Yellowstone. Currently, my thoughts would be to skip that and go straight to West Yellowstone for an easy 28 mile day where I can rest and use WIFI at McDonald's.<br />
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He reminded me, make no decisions at this time. Wait until the morning and see how you feel.<br />
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I forced my final ham, hard boiled egg and cheese down my throat so my body would have some nutrient to heal me with and headed for bed at 8 hoping for 12 hours of solid sleep.<br />
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I ended up getting up FOUR times to pee before finally falling asleep. At least I knew it was hydrated.<br />
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<br />
<b>Day 63</b><br />
<br />
I was up at 8 as the sun started to heat up my tent. 11 hours of sleep and I feel great. FINALLY!<b> </b>I was ready to take on the ride to Old Faithful.<br />
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Naturally, we had headwinds toward Madison, but at least it was downhill. That was 14 miles. We were told to check with a park ranger there to be sure the fire near West Yellowstone would not cause us any issues on exiting the park. There would be no issues. Off we went to Old Faithful.<br />
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The ride, albeit uphill and in headwinds, was stunning and diverse. Also, we didn't mind the uphill headwinds because we knew we'd get them on our way back. However, riding with Headwinds Wally, maybe we wouldn't.<br />
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On our way to Old Faithful we made half a dozen stops and here they are:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXQvKfLOETu05YcxIeoquI2T9h09aTaofTiJ_R88d8e3uytaAVX6wlRfO9GI9sKp7HrWOzIjZv_f7wNEv1kUjtHUShRd3SuKAkUb2GacQ882d14f2pGqRh6Ai0WX9yf4TNooNQUAsF-Hp/s1600/IMG_1347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXQvKfLOETu05YcxIeoquI2T9h09aTaofTiJ_R88d8e3uytaAVX6wlRfO9GI9sKp7HrWOzIjZv_f7wNEv1kUjtHUShRd3SuKAkUb2GacQ882d14f2pGqRh6Ai0WX9yf4TNooNQUAsF-Hp/s400/IMG_1347.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Old Faithful... only about 20-25 foot geyser, but it was constant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">140 something inches deep</td></tr>
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Once we finally got to Old Faithful, we stopped first for lunch. Feeling well for the first time in many days, I naturally avoided "The Bomb," but for $3.25 I wasn't going to stray away from a mega sized pepperoni Hot Pocket. In fact I got two!<br />
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After lunch we rolled over to Old Faithful. Lucky us, it was going off just as we approached. I did not get any pictures, but I saw it and was not waiting 90-ish minutes for the next explosion. Wally and I were satisfied so we left.<br />
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The truth is, a lot of the things I have seen on this trip cannot be recreated on pictures or videos. The open skies of Kansas, the rides through The Rockies, the top of the passes and Mount Evans, the Tetons, etc. In Yellowstone I was never so blown away by the various mud pools, hot springs, big and small geysers alike. Don't get me wrong, it is cool to be inside a supervolcano and to see and, what nobody talks about, smell it all. Also, seeing wildlife up close is fantastic, but I was just never blown away.<br />
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Maybe it was dodging all the tourist that made it seem so... manufactured? Maybe that's not the right word, because it is very real, but this is an instance where I think pictures and videos do Yellowstone all the justice it needs.<br />
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Eh, I sound like a jerk. Oh well. This trip has been amazing and the Teton's just stomped on Yellowstone. Next time I'll have to ride through Yellowstone first....<br />
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So Wally and I did catch the tailwinds (he's not totally cursed!) and flew down to Madison following the smoke signals. Not real smoke signals, there were a few fires just northwest of Madison billowing in the sky.<br />
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Of course, once we turned west, we caught headwinds heading out of Yellowstone, but with 12 miles to McDonald's and staring at Madison River the whole way, it wasn't so bad. Also, that west wind was pushing the smoke away from us. That was good.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk!</td></tr>
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Then, I knew it was coming, but almost missed the sign. My 13th state, Montana! Only 2 more to go! <br />
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We spent at least 2 hours in McDonald's catching up on a few days of emails and texts while drinking 6 cups of Powerade/Root Beer/Dr. Pepper and getting multiple McDoubles and cookies.<br />
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I am happy to be truly feeling better again. Maybe not 100% but at least I don't feel like shit! Also nothing beats being in touch with loved ones when you have been away from them for 63 days now.<br />
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Cheers to that!<br />
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<b>Day 64</b><br />
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Wally and I were happy that the temperature would be staying in the low 40s this morning. When I woke up around 7 I was waiting for the sun to heat up my tent. It wasn't even lighting up the tent, let alone heating it.<br />
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It was not the low 40s. I rolled out of my tent to find the camp grounds surrounded in smoke. The headwinds that slowed our final 12 miles down yesterday stopped completely. Now that the wind died, the smoke has settled all around us.<br />
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The sun's heat could not penetrate through the smoke to raise night's cold. In fact, as it became 8, then 9, I think it was only getting colder. Wally and I froze as we ate breakfast standing to keep the blood flowing.<br />
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We rode out slowly, trying not take deep breathes of this haze in our lungs.<br />
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It did not take as long as I thought to get out of the thick of it. The smoke lingered for miles and miles, but slowly Montana's scenery unveiled itself.<br />
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Once I was warmed up, excuse my English, I felt Fucking Amazing. That's a capital 'F' and a capital 'A.'<br />
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110% today!<br />
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Montana is gorgeous and we are flowing through tailwinds all day. See that 15.2 average speed. I haven't ridden like this since Kansas!<br />
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Not too much happened except crushing the 69 mile ride. We rode by Earthquake Lake which was just formed due to an earthquake in the 50s. Very cool to see some new geography that has happened so recently (and only took a week to form) rather than something formed millions of years ago.<br />
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I caught up on a few hours of my favorite Fall/Winter podcast, ESPN's Fantasy Focus to get prepped for 3 upcoming fantasy football drafts. Matthew Berry, Field Yates and Stephania Bell give out some truly mediocre advise and hearing their voices reminds me of home and the football season. Then I switched to music and every song brought on the endorphin's. It was a fantastic day.<br />
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Hate to say it, but happy to have cell service again! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-8458969239696904892016-08-21T18:41:00.000-07:002016-08-21T18:45:35.592-07:00Days 58, 59, 60: Michael Jordan, 1997 NBA Finals, Game 5<div><strong>Dubois, WY to Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton National Park to Jackson, WY and back to Colter Bay to Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park</strong></div>
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<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Mileage: 68.0 + 44.8 + 41.4 = 154.2</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 3,555.8</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Average Speed: 11.9 / 12.4 / 11.0</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Elevation Gain: 3,800 / 639 / 2,617</strong></span></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TByRCMbn8Ew">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 58</a></div>
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<div>MS<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZefLDT6yWg">quared Velo Snapchat Day 59</a></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hYrHKENlaU">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 60</a></div>
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<div>If you are unfamiliar with the story of Michael Jordan's performance in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA finals... Don't worry I'll get there.</div>
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<div>First I bring you to the morning of <strong>Day 58</strong> in Dubois, WY. </div>
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<div>I removed the couch cushions from one of the three church couches and lined them up on the floor as my bed for the night. It was quite comfortable once I snagged a pillow from the other couch across the room.</div>
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<div>Any step I can take to minimize the morning routine is a positive step. So not having to unroll and blow up my air pad was a plus. I also felt warm enough upon laying down to leave the sleeping bag in its sack as well. I hate rolling that thing up, but worse, I hate trying to stuff it in it's sack that, once full, doesn't leave room for an ant to crawl in.</div>
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<div>So, of course, I wake up <a dir="ltr">at 5 AM</a> shivering. I grabbed the blanket from couch #2 which turned out to be 2 feet by 4 feet. I opted for covering my upper half and leaving my legs vulnerable. I have made it this far and I am sure as hell not opening that sleeping bag.</div>
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<div>Long story short (too late it's already too long) I had a bad nights sleep.</div>
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<div>I tried to salvage my lack of rest for a good breakfast. A good breakfast includes two wraps of banana, jelly, Nutella, peanut butter and two packets of oatmeal.</div>
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<div>Colin and Marion rolled out separately, so David and I clipped in our pedals and headed out together.</div>
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<div>We were excited about the ride today because we knew we had one big climb over our final pass of the trip today (i.e. no more mountains). Pedal by pedal Wyoming began to show why people love Wyoming so much.</div>
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<div>David and I turned a corner and we saw the tips of a mountain face. Coupled with the pine trees, it looked like the lead up to a Wyoming postcard.</div>
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<div>We have done worse hill climbing but this one is taking us by surprise. David and I took about 5 breaks on the way to the pass. Including one FRitz stop. FRitz is a snack of Ritz and Fluff, the feeling of enjoyment is the FRitz.</div>
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<div>Once at the pass, we spotted a lake not too far down a dirt road. We road to it and found that postcard view we were looking for. We posed for selfies and the like when we met Ann who came right up to us and asked if we needed snacks or water. We said we were ok, but she insisted this is "what she does."</div>
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<div>She came back with two Cliff Bars and a fresh peach for each of us. All hail trail angel Ann!</div>
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<div>Not soon after, Marion and Colin rode up the final stretch of the pass and we called them over. I made a joke about wanting to jump in but not wanting to change or dry off, but Colin was all in. He was going to jump in nude, but there was a family fishing only 50 feet away so he jumped in in his chamois. It was a glorious leap!</div>
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<div>Now time for the downhill chubby! 6% grade for the next 17 miles according to the sign.</div>
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<div>Side note: We met Wally last night back at the church in Dubois. David and Marion had met him way back in Virginia when he was still riding with a military back pack on. Wally is a triathlon athlete who did this cross country trip on a whim. Today he is riding up the pass and back down (almost 40 miles) without his gear to retrieve a supply package for a Great Divide hiker (trail name: Dawg). As he says, and you know he means it, he is more than happy to give back the generosity he has received on this trip. He's a great guy. We passed him at the top of the pass and wished each other a safe ride down.</div>
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<div>We flew down 8 miles until we turned down the mountain towards a restaurant for lunch called the Red Fox Saloon. Upon taking this turn was our first sight of the Tetons way out in the distance. They were already breathtaking.</div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teton's in the distance bringing us smiles</td>
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<div>A hot meal gives me a second wind 10 times out of 10. I took the lead for the remainder of the way to Colter Bay Village. However, these final 20 miles or so were not all downhill.</div>
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<div>I took lead of the peloton into heavy headwinds while David drafted behind me and Colin drafted behind him. I thought David deserved it after riding 90+ miles yesterday in some rain and wind because of having to turn around to get his broken spoke fixed. Either way, when you're feeling it, you're feeling it... And I was feeling it.</div>
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<div>To give you an idea of what it is like to draft, I was pushing against the pedals very hard, nonstop and keeping my head low in the headwinds whereas David and Colin sat upright and relaxed, looking all around at the views and even stopping their pedaling at times as to not hit the man in front. Basically a 90% effort to a 50% effort.</div>
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<div>The closer we got to the Teton's the more awe inspiring they became.</div>
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<div>We entered the Grand Teton National Forest as a gang. Marion got us all in for free (otherwise $20 each!) with his senior pass and we rode the final 8 miles to camp.</div>
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<div>While Marion, David and Colin paid for a $4.25 shower, I grabbed a $2.60 burrito called "The Bomb" from the grocery store. This thing has like 1100 calories, 40g of protein, 120g of carbs... I figured it was the best bang for my buck. It obviously wasn't very good.</div>
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<div>Then David and I made our way to Jackson Lake to watch the sun set behind the Grand Teton's.</div>
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<div>We sat there listening to the quiet scratch of the lake ripple against the perfectly oval shaped rocks as the sun slowly made its way behind the sharp stones. Nothing could have been more peaceful.</div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoke from a fire</td>
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<div>Once back at camp, David, as he is wont to do, bought a six pack of beer and I an ice cream cone. I decided to build a little fire until it was time for bed. I was really starting to feel the exhaustion from the bad nights sleep and also giving my all on those last 20 miles.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Fire making was frighteningly easy. I pulled some dead branches off a few dead trees only 15 feet away and WHAM, the branches lit up like Agustus Gloop walking into the Candy Forest in <em>Willy Wonka.</em></div>
<div><em>
</em></div>
<div>I can see why the fire warning is at extreme, but can't understand why they trust anybody to light one, or put one out for that matter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We all shared a beer around the fire until I called it quits first. Just beat.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>Day 59</strong></div>
<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div>It was really tough waking up this morning. We had no set agenda so I just laid there with heavy eyes and frankly, a heavy body. I yawned and stretched roughly 4 times loving each time, but I had to get out of the tent sooner or later...</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We made the decision yesterday, Marion would take a rest day while David and I rode the "Jackson Spur" down to Jackson, WY. We would be able to leave all of our stuff at camp and the ride would be nice and easy with no luggage strapped on. Then hitch hike back north to the campsite. Colin was still undecided, until we found him at the Jackson Lake Lodge with his shoes off enjoying the view of the Teton's. He wasn't moving, and I was slightly jealous.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>David and I have heard this is the best ride of the trip and those people were not wrong. For one thing as you can see above, the elevation gain was 639 feet, basically nothing. Second, the views. Third, the views. Forth, the views and fifth, the views!</div>
<div> </div>
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<blockquote>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Blue" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2EiuhdWJvHSUqmOPpVDHncz2Gommfj0q7WD0AKCbcR8iJzVRNR_LstgjtT2idgXpfDugnX6t2AVxU2UYq5r3f-Y8wmDdTsBJ2JKyoQtunfXQOUo2kvEsF6xA_Be7ngRTyRk39ozaKuO1//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Blue</td>
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</blockquote>
<div> </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="America" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCChKbqIyuX7-88b3HHMgXjbAPig1Uz8guEQ1HeCczYYYeeGw8hfDG4iCEXjxZYS3itcrNvUXvd7-9kL47H9U67N3vZo-tGKiTwU_9H57FaJxWs6JiWeMi-s7w37oCrcLsZVzkHwrLToF//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">America!!!!</td>
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<div>As opomistic as we both were heading out, the ride ended up catching us from behind.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Me" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7ofX37sSHlwaqthxV3LIZ3flWjrOAZnPJ8Ayx_HW5pJbkjpMjNl5FApnHOhS4IECTnMuFKNQl7mQjqUxyiEo80ClEyPfFva-V4naHMk_iT40AsLKPTBzXb_5QqMfof9V2YWUyrNtS4Oa//" alt="" width="500" height="303" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunched over in pain</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>For me, my stomach started to turn to knots. I tried to enjoy the views, and was, but the further along we rode and the further away the Teton's became, the harder it became to ignore my stomach.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I tried ginger ale and I tried the bathroom. I tried snacking hoping it was hunger pains since all I had was The Bomb <a dir="ltr">at 7 PM</a> last night. Nothing worked.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We stopped 10 miles before Jackson to eat around 1. I needed the break and David was starting to bonk. Albeit gorgeous, this leisurely ride was killing us!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We ate and I think coke temporarily alleviated my pain, but David figured we should try to hitch to Jackson. I think my sickness and lack of enthusiasm, plus his previous 90 something mile day was getting to him too.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Hitching didn't work. We rode the bike trail to Jackson but struggled despite it being a shallow decline the whole way. I distracted both of us the final 5 miles by asking David what can go through the Green Glass Door. It worked. This game has been a hit on this trip. Thanks Livi.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We did it! Our goal accomplished! We are in Jackson and it is pretty awesome. Very touristy. Very very touristy, but awesome. We looked for a bar to jump in and what is more appealing than the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I knew a Budweiser wouldn't help my stomach, but I couldn't help myself. The bar stools are saddles, there is a ram fighting a wildcat, there are horns everywhere and murals of the Wild West. I could even enter a raffle to win what basically looked like an M16. I had to order an American.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>David and I wandered the streets until we knew we had to find our way home. This time we were hitching a ride and we would try until sunset if we had to. We could not ride the 40 miles back... in headwinds.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We left the downtown area and stuck our thumbs out mainly targeting pickups. David suggested it might be easier if it was just one of us was hitch hiking, plus he was eyeing Dairy Queen. I told him sure, go get your Flurry. It took about 7 cars to pass, two of them being pickups, until that second pickup stopped. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>I DID IT! THANK GOD!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This guy said he was going to Dubois which was perfect, he could drop us off just outside of Grand Teton National Park leaving us with 9 miles to ride.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I told him I had a friend that needed a ride too and he said ok. David ran over with Flurry in hand and a smile underneath his just-starting-to-curl-at-the-ends-mustache. We loaded our bikes and piled in. Complete with coke bottles, a spew of multivitamins, papers, torn upholstery and 4 cracks covering the windshield from top to bottom, the car was an absolute mess.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I don't remember this guys name. He said close to nothing. I told him about our cross country trip, but he didn't have one question for us. That was a first. Not even where did you start from. Instead he decided to text, or play poker or something the entire 30 mile drive. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>I was sitting shotgun at the end get of my seat and David behind me leaning toward the middle of the car. We needed all eyes on the road if this guy wasn't going to bother. This anxiety was not helping my stomach. But how can you tell the guy who is saving your day to, "uh excuse me could you stop texting and watch the road."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>David and I preferred to be the eyes and take our chances.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This brings to question, why did he pick us up in the first place? Or is it, why did he pick me up and get stuck with David? Did he like my Wolverine beard? Was I going to be forced to do something I would not enjoy? I don't know, he didn't seem like he cared about anything except playing poker. He was headed toward the casino in the Indian reservation to play poker after all.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I'd like to chalk it up to another nice person, but this was a situation unlike any we have experienced this far.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We made it... Obviously. We re-entered the park and rode half a mile before we decided to start hitching a ride again. My stomach pain still persisted and David was in a pain of his own.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It has been 10 days since our last rest day. Mine in Denver, his in Breckenridge. It is suggested to take a rest day every 6-7 days. It is all catching up to us quickly.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>After a few people stopped willing to help, but going the wrong way, we finally met a great couple from the Netherlands, just outside of Amsterdam. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>David just finished telling me in the Million Dollar Cowboy bar how the nicest people in the world are from the Netherlands and he may move to Amsterdam.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Well he's right. This couple had no room in their van and when we asked if the bikes will fit they said, "we'll make them fit."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This van was their home. There was a small sink or kitchen against the back doors, behind that was all their food and groceries and beer, behind that was their bed folded up, then about two feet to fit our bikes in behind the front seats. Somehow we got them in and they told us to jump up and squeeze in on the bed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>They actually let us put our dirty, sweaty asses on their bed. I didn't know where to put my feet down and she could see that and said, "Relax, just put your feet down."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
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<div> </div>
<div>We rode the final 9 miles crunched up in this van, but it was actually a pleasure. I wish I could remember their names; this couple was amazing and I wish them all the best as they finish their travels in America.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Finally we made it back to camp exhausted. I still felt terrible. I have to guess this is some sort of bug in my stomach just tying knots... <a href="https://youtu.be/tQ_fnYhI1HU">Captain tyin' knots </a>(NSFW).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Colin collected wood while we were out and suggested my idea from last night to grill burgers. David and I were too tired, but since the work was half done, we agreed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We spent that night grilling and telling stories and jokes around the campfire. David enjoyed some beers, Wally caught back up to us and bought a box of wine to share with Colin, Marion relaxed in his clutch REI chair, while I simply moved closer to the fire. I was starting to freeze. Not good.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I went to bed shortly thereafter with my giant Gatorade in hand. I was paranoid the sink water caused this and would have died of thirst rather than continue drinking it, so I was happy to have Cool Blue by my side.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>Day 60</strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Wake up call #1</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I rolled out of my sleeping bag all sweaty with my stomach in knots. Unsure if I should even get up to pee or ignore it and go back to bed which is usually the case, I chose to get up and pee.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Leaning against a tree, I started to freeze... And sweat. Then I became weak. I stopped mid pee to sit down on the picnic table. I took deep breaths and enjoyed the 45 degree breeze blowing through the sleeves of my shirt. Once I felt okay, I sprinted the two steps back to my tent to crawl into my sleeping bag for warmth.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><em>Not. Good. </em>My final thoughts before falling asleep again.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Wake up call #2</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I got up to pee again... This time I thought it might be even more than pee, so I made my way to the bathroom. I'm convinced now that the bug has its feet up making those stupid sailor knot brackets... but at least the chills were gone. I felt awful and no bowel movements budged. I almost fell asleep on the toilet until I jolted up and walked slowly back to my tent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Wake up call #3 </div>
<div> </div>
<div>I still felt knots, but not as bad as before. I think I have to let Marion, David and Colin go to Yellowstone without me and take a rest day here. The ride is only 35-40 miles, but I really don't think I can do it. The rest day is calling me.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Wake up call #4</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Fucking communist! You can't get into heaven and you ain't gettin' into the White House!"</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Oh my god... There is a crazy man in our camp grounds. I felt the cold metal in my right palm as I gripped my knife engraved with my name on it.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"You don't say shit, then they come into your campsite what do you say?"</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ohhhh man he's crazy. I can hear footsteps gaining on my tent, but can't see anything with the rain fly on. Please keep walking, please keeping walking.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The footsteps faded, as did his crazy banter and he was gone. Good morning so far.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>My final wake up call was the last. I had no appetite but began cooking breakfast steadfast on making the trip to Yellowstone with the group today. We have heard too many times how bad riding through Yellowstone is due to the lack of shoulders and giant RVs so I wanted to be in a group.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Colin approached and asked if I wanted anything from the store. He came back with Peptobismal and I took a shot. I think this helped.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We all agreed on a slow pace to Yellowstone. David was howling for our day off <a dir="ltr">tomorrow</a>, I was aching for it.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>So we took off in wolf pack style following Marion. Have I mentioned Marion is 65 and recently retired. He has done an incredible job on this trip and did a great job leading the pack today.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
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<div> </div>
<div>The pace was perfect. Any time I made a small effort to climb a hill at my usual pace, my stomach said otherwise. The pains were more sporadic, but sharper today.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>At our first rest stop I grabbed a V8. David has been praising them for their vegi intake (even though we just told him last night tomato is a fruit). I don't think it helped. I took another shot of pepto.</div>
<div> </div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last shot of the Teets</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>Finally were inside Yellowstone. David threw on his neon construction safety vest (ugh don't remind me of work!) and we were off for the finally 20ish miles. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>We stopped shortly after entering to check out a waterfall. Not bad, but oh my god. Here come the chills. I briefly sat down for a snapchat, but really I just needed to sit.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>After a little hill climb we were now over looking Lewis River. Through the pain, I cracked a smile. I wanted so badly to enjoy this view.</div>
<div> </div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lewis River</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>The guys made their way to the top of this hill and we began a beautiful downhill. I couldn't make it any further. The chills were too much and my teeth were chattering. I grabbed my neon rain jacket, zipped it to the chin, swigged more pepto and continued.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I knew I was going to make it, but how bad was this going to get before I was done?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sometimes on a cold winter day I think to myself, how could I ever wear a t-shirt outside, it will never be warm again. Then I yearn for those hot summer days dearly. I had that same thought about this stomach pain. How badly did I want to feel well again. I'll accept the hills and rain and wind if I could just pass this pain.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Up ahead David was waiting to ask if I would make it. I told him I think so. 12 more miles. About an hour.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This was my Michael Jordan moment and our groups Chicago Bull moment. In the 1997 Championship finals, Michael Jordan played game 5 with the flu. He did not just play, he dominated scoring 38 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assist and 3 steals leading the team to a 90-88 victory. Later beating the Jazz for Michael's 5th championship ring. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Yes, Michael played incredible that game and he is the best ever, no question. But he could not have done what he did without the support of his team and coach. I am not going so far as to say I am any sort of Michale Jordan and you can simply go to Strava and see that I did not destroy this segment of my trip.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>What I am saying is that through the support of David, Colin and Marion, and my determination to pedal each mile across this country, I was able to finish day 60 strong.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Mm" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6X5Z8PshLwgTUOo73c_flrvuWmP7BMWi4HPJXQuvPAMpOD_7Iu1pbjCVygrpHm80eqURbchdzejRWwn7nI1cY9MlJws4ZaqXyj5shKAREXbp3iVK8jft2UDmUGF_fptxUA_XhRb6HTsq//" alt="" width="500" height="281" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scotty Pippen holding up MJ</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>As we rolled deep in neon yellow for the final 5 miles, we all awed at Lewis Lake. Through the thick brown trunks of the pine trees we could see the baby blue sky ripple off the lake's surface.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That last schwig of pepto helped to settle my stomach. I sucked in the fresh smell of pine and prayed the pain would begin to abate now that we have reached Grant Village and I can take an entire day to finally rest. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>I can fast forward now and tell you that the pain was never as bad as it was on that hill again. After a deep nights sleep and sitting here on day 61 I think it has passed.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>At Grant Village we were told there was a very nice family that would love to meet cyclist. We agreed to join their campsite and we were not disappointed. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mom rode up on her bicycle with dad, Joel, trailing behind in this recumbent-bicycle-trailer. </div>
<div> </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="So" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTb1bKU8_yQX_sWoMgMXA_ODbVkrylpSq0Zj6EgNf-VVuHQaLkR_w6lDajpHNu-6zCw576NYEHqtaueZReyg7_pCQSi9x3xIaGta3fxMdK_FXxtZ0YBCYxDpr_j-VJjhH839BcD2uJ8uPH//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel with his Recumbent/Bike/Trailer</td>
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<div>They are from DC and traveling down from Glacier National Park to Jackson. Such wonderful family. The kids, 5 and 9 are as cute as buttons. I don't know why buttons are cute, but that's the expression and I'm sticking to it. It is no wonder they were still smiling after 40 days on a bike and living in tents with mom and dad.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>After meeting Joel's family and setting up my tent, I got a shower for the first time since Monday (it's Thursday). Joel gave us 6 free shower passes and I stayed in that shower good enough for all 6. A shower has never felt so good. I'm confident that is what began the revival of my stomach.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I got dinner and ice cream with David as we explored for wifi to no avail. Yellowstone keeps it old school with no wifi or tv or bar or somewhere to bring me back to the world. Makes sense for people traveling through Yellowstone... But not for people who have been on bikes for 2 months.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We hung out at the campgrounds with threatening thunder until close to 8 when the rain began to trickle down. This was the signal for us all to get into our tents and call it a night. Just what I needed, an early night and a good rest, and I got it.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-78820188063171548002016-08-15T16:22:00.002-07:002016-08-15T16:22:50.092-07:00Days 56 & 57: For Dew Boyz!<b>Jeffrey City, WY to Lander, WY to Dubois, WY</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="color: blue;">2 Day Mileage: 59.0 + 75.3 = 134.3</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Total Mileage: 3,401.6</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">2 Day Average Speed: ???* / 12.8 MPH</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">2 Day Elevation Gain: ????* / 3,942 ft</span></b><br />
*Strava was not working properly<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L68m3Mfww-U">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 56</a><br />
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MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 57<br />
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<br />
<b>Day 56</b><br />
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I woke up promptly at 6 AM in the windowless room at the Jeffrey City church. It was a very familiar feeling of waking up in my first apartment in New York City, which also had no windows.<br />
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I made my way right to the kitchen and flipped the switch on the coffee maker that I prepped the night before. I could see the orange glow from the windows so I skipped outside for a view of the sunrise.<br />
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I took a deep breath in and cheers-ed the breakfast colored sun with my cup of joe. Another great day to be alive.<br />
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Colin did as he said, and was out around 6:30. I did not even see him exit as I made breakfast and packed up the rest of my gear. David and Marion slowly started to rise as well.<br />
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I made it out promptly at 7 because I wanted to get to the bike shop in Lander as well as visit the library. Some things just can't be accomplished on the phone or iPad. Too bad it is Sunday and the library was not open.<br />
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It was a tough day for a few reasons. Breakfast was weak... except for the full cup of coffee. This is the reason for the early excitement on Snapchat... but that quickly faded. On top of a poor breakfast (a cup of oatmeal and Nutella on a wrap), I did not have lunch or even a lot of snacks on me for that matter and there was no services until Lander. Lastly, I was riding solo.<br />
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Riding solo is okay knowing you have someone ahead and behind, but this stretch of Wyoming was considerably boring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvGwPfBA8cZa0GL6qETgaiIbllpuNdMcF-UmYE2szUSLu6auDRm9FsTluE6hXrPO_J5LVzHQlIsxBm5PDHWojuiRVjrRX-T9bYqfGqrubgIihbb4H9mNknPIebsoFKr0fUO1MPdTXGKSJ/s1600/IMG_1073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvGwPfBA8cZa0GL6qETgaiIbllpuNdMcF-UmYE2szUSLu6auDRm9FsTluE6hXrPO_J5LVzHQlIsxBm5PDHWojuiRVjrRX-T9bYqfGqrubgIihbb4H9mNknPIebsoFKr0fUO1MPdTXGKSJ/s400/IMG_1073.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever my riding partner</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not much to see</td></tr>
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I was looking forward to a big downhill that Colin said we would see today and when it finally came, I was pumped.<br />
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Also it provided unbelievable views over Wyoming.<br />
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It was fun to roll down hill of course and it gave me an extra boost of energy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67TMLODgQxXicXfF4fuqeiSNjb8TRipAZ7kI-CB9S5RoBBK1tkdlB4HkTcDtcfwSYSwaa18juGZRngAVPgQRWk4fWQJbk9VrbNJXSiiDhoMJKbivNeBR7Yy972qHs1mfRfDaG0w749PF_/s1600/IMG_1085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67TMLODgQxXicXfF4fuqeiSNjb8TRipAZ7kI-CB9S5RoBBK1tkdlB4HkTcDtcfwSYSwaa18juGZRngAVPgQRWk4fWQJbk9VrbNJXSiiDhoMJKbivNeBR7Yy972qHs1mfRfDaG0w749PF_/s400/IMG_1085.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See that smile!</td></tr>
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I checked my map to see if I should dig into another Cliff Bar or hold out for town. I had a crazy craving for McDonald's fries that I could not ignore. It looks like I only have 6-7 miles left so I can hold out. Only 30 minutes.<br />
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A few miles later, I checked the map and realized I was looking at the wrong town. I actually had 16 more miles. Completely demoralizing. Mentally more than physically. I was bonked. I swallowed a Cliff Bar whole and kept chugging.<br />
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With a two miles left I saw a sign for a motel, "Lander Motel 1.5 miles, take the right after the McDonalds."<br />
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NO WAY THERE IS A MCDONALDS HERE!!!!! FRENCH FRIES AND GREASY BURGER HERE I COME. YAAAAAAAAAAASSSS!!<br />
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I swear there are angels throwing goodness my way constantly on this trip. Even a small thing like a McDonalds.<br />
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I got my classic high school order. A large number four, no pickles. That is a double quarter pounder. Oh and an Oreo McFlurry... then I went back for a four piece nugget. All eaten in under 10 minutes.<br />
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Finally I made my way to the bike shop. I don't want to get into how REI screwed up the new tire they put on in Denver, but the guys at this shop fixed me up. They even gave me (and any other Transam rider) a free ice cream sandwich... I chose cookies n' cream.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTtkW9KDoubr2-WdQaTIDpTTBxttIoy63hRgPEmptWe4QwC-0dxHVKcmOr1PEc55uM3yja8JFioYNS8yGwuE3OeqC2KJH-zy8pERD0EjhCH77lH1F0EyzDEmwDF8kUcNL72J5kvogzZT_/s1600/IMG_1095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTtkW9KDoubr2-WdQaTIDpTTBxttIoy63hRgPEmptWe4QwC-0dxHVKcmOr1PEc55uM3yja8JFioYNS8yGwuE3OeqC2KJH-zy8pERD0EjhCH77lH1F0EyzDEmwDF8kUcNL72J5kvogzZT_/s400/IMG_1095.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy a bicycle</td></tr>
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I bought two new tubes for myself, one for David I had to replace, a new frame pump and more Cliff Bars. I seriously need a sponsorship from Cliff Bar. If it is now day 57, I have probably had 65 Cliff Bars. Not included the ones Amber's dog ate.<br />
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After the bike shop, David met a local musician, Garrett Lebeau (he is on Spotify). He just finished a tour and is back in his home town, Lander, to preform for his friends and family. We were excited for beers and live music!<br />
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Marion stayed guard at the campsite while David, Colin and I went to the bar and talked it up with the locals and enjoyed the locally brewed beer. It was delicious, we had a few pitchers...<br />
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With a good buzz, I settled into my tent and fell into a deep slumber.<br />
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<b>Day 57</b><br />
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Again Colin was gone by 6 AM sharp. David woke me up as he began to unpack. His dad was well ahead of us both and left by 7 with hopes to beat threatening wind. This did not end up being to big of a problem.<br />
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David and I grabbed a few high calorie items from the front desk for 50 cents each and made our way out of Lander. We agreed this was one of, if not, our favorite town of the trip. It was small, but still had life (see day 56 Snapchat). It's not in decline and dumpy like most of the towns we ride through.<br />
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We also agreed that the Transam should be updated so cyclist can experience the culture of different towns and states through the people. Not riding onto I-80 for 12 miles to end up hiding in a crappy motel room in shoddy Rawlins, WY.<br />
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For now, David and I ride on until stopping in a grocery store in an Indian Reservation so I could grab SNACKS!<br />
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It is pretty cool to see everyone that walked in really is of Native American descendant. The bulletin was even full of flyers for Pow Wow's and such. It is sad to see this is all "we" left for them...<br />
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Anyway, off we went and SPLANG!<br />
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David broke a spoke in his front tire. I have been there thrice and told him he should be good, but his front wheel was really out of true. There is no bike shop in the near future so he made the decision to hitch a ride back to Lander. We were only 15 miles out.<br />
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I rode on, now alone again, but with hopes of catching Marion.<br />
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Eventually I did catch Marion and Colin at a gas station in Crowheart.<br />
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We met a nice 18 year old girl who lives in Crowheart and has no intentions of moving. Her family owns a huge farm right across the street and she told us how she spent yesterday herding the cows up into the trees of the mountains. She also produced the strongest handshake I have received on this entire trip. That's a cowgirl for ya!<br />
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Marion took off before stiffness overtook him and I waited for Colin to finish up so I could ride with and get to know him more.<br />
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Girls are a very popular topic. Probably because it is the one thing that is scarce on this trip.<br />
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Colin actually rode with a girl from Wichita to Pueblo(?) that he met on Warm Showers and developed quite the bond with her. I can only imagine. Relationships progress quicker than usual as you have read throughout my travels.<br />
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As we spoke, the shoulder started to thin and I thought I had room in front of Colin to move ahead of him. I was wrong and I did not communicate my intentions. I clipped his front wheel and our panniers stuck together like they were coated with glue and Colin went down. He was lucky to not hurt himself or his bike.<br />
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After a quick inspection of his cuts, we were back on our wheels and the scenery really started to unveil itself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do you get when you mess with the Rams?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin taking in the views... unscathed</td></tr>
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With the final 10 miles approaching... we of course hit those headwinds. We barreled down and turned a corner and BOOM.... ah the views.<br />
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It is so incredible to see the lines in the rock formations. Millions upon millions of years formed what we see today. Talk about history... Oh... I wasn't talking about history, but you get it.</div>
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Still battling headwinds, we caught Marion just as we entered Dubois.<br />
<br />
The locals (and Wikipedia) pronounce it <i>Dew-boyz, </i>not <i>Dew-bwah.</i> So in honor of the latest frenzy, MONDAY IS FOR DEW BOYS! (or TOFDB, I'll let you figure that one out).<br />
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Tonight we stay in St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The churches are honestly the best. Warm Showers is great because you are guaranteed a shower, usually a bed and sometimes dinner, but at churches it is just you and whoever else is cycling so you can relax a little more and sprawl out.<br />
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David will be here soon and we will probably all go out for a cheap local dinner.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-8388155876357718182016-08-14T12:22:00.000-07:002016-08-14T12:22:12.236-07:00Days 53, 54 & 55: Literal and Figurative Bunkers<div><strong>
Walden, CO to Saratoga, WY to Rawlings, WY to Jeffrey City, WY</strong></div>
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<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Mileage: 67.6 + 47.1 + 71.2 = 185.9</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 3,267.3</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Average Speed: 13.0 / 13.7 / 13.2</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Elevation Gain: 2,466 / 1,285 / 1,829</strong></span></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN1k-3_ALjE">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 53</a></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySCw56dwl14">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 54</a></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TblU2UOD9N4">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 55</a></div>
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<div><strong>Day 53</strong></div>
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<div>Like I said, I woke up <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">spooning David</span> cuddling my sleeping bag in the freezing 41 degrees. Despite what I thought falling asleep, I didn't hit snooze. I woke up right away, packed my sleeping bag and tent and began making breakfast. </div>
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<div>I kept my down Patagonia on until the last moment, but that didn't stop my toes and fingers from freezing. However, just like Breckenridge, that temperate made me feel alive.</div>
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<div>Marion and David were heading to Riverside, WY today, about 18 miles south of Saratoga, but I chose to ride with them for the company. David was also happy to have fresh ears other than his father's.</div>
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<div>It's amazing how a bond like cycling across the country and fast forward relationships. Maybe it is just the want for interesting discussion, but David and I quickly told stories of past and present relationships and he had a lot of great stories about a motorcycling trip he took around Central and South America.</div>
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<div>We jammed out through his speaker during the final miles of Colorado until we hit an oil spill from a trucker accident. We were only temporarily held up, passed the incident, and continued our way to the Wyoming boarder.</div>
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<div>Eight quick miles later... My 12th state of the trip is here! Wyoming, forever west.</div>
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<div>Shortly after crossing the boarder and making our way up the biggest climb of the day (it wasn't that big) we ran into a tandem couple from New York! Although they were struggling and going very slow, (even taking almost every other day off to rest) they were both very upbeat and happy to be meeting two people who live in New York.</div>
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<div>David and I battled headwinds until we reached Riverside. With Marion trailing, we made our way into one of the two bars in Riverside for a late lunch and a few beers.</div>
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<div>I said a "see ya later" to David and Marion after lunch and made my ride to Saratoga, WY. I had a warm showers host, Karim, set up and the free hot springs were calling me.</div>
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<div>I figured I could do the 18 miles in an hour ten with the way I was feeling and how today progressed. Silly me...</div>
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<div>The headwinds David and I fought earlier were back with vengeance.</div>
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<div>The first 7 miles were fine, but I took a turn and all of a sudden I was being blown from Jasper. Not really, but if I didn't have 50lbs stuffed into my panniers then I undoubtly would have been in the bushes.</div>
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<div>Now I had mixed emotions flowing... All of them mostly negative thanks to this wind.</div>
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<div>I wanted to turn around and stay with the Mobley's. I wanted to get off a hitch a ride from a pick up. I wanted to call family for sympathy. I just wanted to stop.</div>
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<div>I tried to distract myself with my audiobook, but the wind was more compelling. I couldn't focus except to complain and occasionally look up and scream bloody murder.</div>
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<div>I snapped the struggles and Snapchat showed I was going 7.3 MPH. No shot. I was going no more than four. Even on the downhills, if I didn't pedal, I wouldn't have moved.</div>
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<div>Like I always say though, one pedal at time I kept pushing. Nine miles became seven and then there were 3, then 2 then who cares about 1 mile. You can deal with anything for a measly mile.</div>
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<div>I made it to Karim's in Saratoga! We went straight to the hot springs. They were glorious.</div>
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<div>Karim said it was a little cooler than usual but it was perfect for me. The main spring, I was told, is about 115-120 degrees. I dipped a foot in, squinted, and yanked it out. Karim said he's seen two people in there the 3 years he's lived there. Good, I thought I was being a bitch haha...</div>
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<div>Karim was an excellent host. After all I am his 88th Warm Showers host. He made me spaghetti and sweet potato fries and a salad. Nothing like carbing a load!</div>
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<div>The Mobley's reminded me of a meteor shower tonight that my mom probably told me about a month ago. I told Karim I was going to be up <a dir="ltr">at 3 AM</a> to watch and he said he'd probably join me.</div>
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<div>After two beers with Karim, I was asleep and back up in 5 hours for the shower.</div>
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<div>It was mesmerizing. Karim and I watched one meteor every 30 seconds jet across the star filled sky. Some were small like any shooting star, but a few tore a temporary hole through the black leaving a blue trail of fire. It was like staring into a candle's flame in pitch darkness, then closing your eyes only to still see that light stamped on the inside of your eyelids.</div>
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<div>With the cold creeping up my legs, 10 minutes was a good enough show for me, so I headed back inside with the hopes of warming up under my covers.</div>
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<div><strong>Day 54</strong></div>
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<div>Karim left me with the coffee pot and eggs for the morning. That is all one needs before a short day of cycling. </div>
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<div>I was going to ride all 109 miles to Jeffrey City because... Why not? Cycling is fun! Karim told me I could face serious headwinds and let's not mention I am so far ahead of schedule. I checked the map and saw Rawlins had a Walmart and wait for it... A golf course!</div>
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<div>Fine, I'll do 47 miles by noon and golf... I don't need to be talked into that!</div>
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<div>The headwinds were not bad at all. The worst part was having to get on interstate 80 for 12 miles. This is part of the Transam, it's on the maps, I promise you this was not a choice. Still, I-80 wasn't bad at all; it had a huge shoulder. </div>
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<div>I rode straight through Rawlins to the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course.</div>
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<div> </div>
<div>Me, 18 holes, rented clubs and a few beers in the cart's cup holder. I was all smiles.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Actually, I felt pretty lonely... I am usually golfing with friends or my dad and brother. I couldn't even get Spotify going due to lack of service. So I talked to my mom through holes 6-8, then birdied 9. Then I called my dad who helped me out of a bunker on 10 and guided me smoothly through 11.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Yew" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGr9YrLGj5DploTXjvIxJZ3GJAxahD1SJTyc0DnQm_1PjRjqXCLaUtzjeCcGdiFqxAejQTvZUCu78Y2mueF-UsRPa6jlofxf64M95lmwloaCOs5NYiGcs5mt4Gs9TzJAD3XnPtPiWa2Nq//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I played the Antelopes, aka the blues</td>
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<div>These calls cheered me up and I really started to enjoy the rest of the back nine. Also it was so gorgeous.</div>
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<div> </div>
<div>I ended up shooting roughly a 91 (a few mulligans) on a long course, with not my clubs, without having played in over two months. Besides that, it was just so awesome so golf.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I then made my usual Walmart stop for the two foot long sandwich for $5.45 and a bag of Doritos. I was going to camp, but it was basically a mud lawn for $23 so I went for the $45 motel... No tax...</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was a dumb, but I really don't care. It was a shower, bed and roof. Also, I just golfed... I am a happy man.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Truman" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmBxSWSfHlSuqTMW3y46v0FVUb96ktZQxqZQl4jGqc31tP_KCRqwr7b8yaEersQZYIZuNWpA-QuFCrtk2IfpplGNK9olbXza6JVMuvgbq_5v8OnhFRVdTN0T0pXeDhik5f4Zm4EWKyHV2//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<tr>
<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or is this all just the Truman Show</td>
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<div><strong>Day 55</strong></div>
<div><strong>
</strong></div>
<div>I packed up Jasper and was ready to roll just before <a dir="ltr">9 AM</a> when I saw it.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>My back tire was totally flat. Quick panic mode. Pump still broken, I called David and asked if he was still in Rawlins. He texted me last night when I fell asleep, "Dude, Rawlins is a dump!" He said yes and agreed to come over so I could use his pump.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Motel" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF20aY4_m_qbhgNCg0naA0xLLu0iffNJ4bN67vJiY67XuaV6vTdGdiMQzc8dQOCT4rja6bq3MRNU-0uqyDQjLiZkDS4qVpC7o028Y64HdX2w2VGwoRq0RRxdw-tmDu6MR836YIcbi02EcH//" alt="" width="500" height="375" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$45 motel</td>
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<div> </div>
<div>I found the culprit, a small little pricker stuck through the tire.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Once he arrived I said good morning, he announced his hangover and I began to pump the fresh tube. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>BOOM! The tube blew.</div>
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<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bNTehjMzxNK0PHjVK9aJyb-cexglil8vcQpZ22AxT4ngij45X-2YnET22lg0nyW-sb4xfpcj83sjbdchVFd1QNolxbTgJ43A_2XLrF2LGfSLEawI7nczqABnUXpCnDJqe09ROC7WhXbF//"><img title="Blown" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bNTehjMzxNK0PHjVK9aJyb-cexglil8vcQpZ22AxT4ngij45X-2YnET22lg0nyW-sb4xfpcj83sjbdchVFd1QNolxbTgJ43A_2XLrF2LGfSLEawI7nczqABnUXpCnDJqe09ROC7WhXbF//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>David inspected the tire and laughed at how worn it was. One spot was worn through and he said it was probably the wire in the tire that will pop any tube.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Lucky me, David gave me his top of the line foldable tire and spare tube. For $88 bucks and the cost of a tube I was back in business! David really saved my day. He said he even enjoyed the additional 2 hours of rest to drink water for his hangover.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>We rolled out <a dir="ltr">at 11 AM</a> and David was hurting. He struggled behind me and ended up puking, hoping for a cure.</div>
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<div>Wyoming is pretty gorgeous. It's a mixture of Kansas and Colorado. Less corn and less pine trees. </div>
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<div>The best part today was approaching the crescent of a hill to unveil the cracked mountains of Wyoming.</div>
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<div>Also got to throw up a few stickers!</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Deli" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXStCONviC7l68sOLDdIM5NzOFoH9-7FO2MRf-CifiJMq6CyDUaGVlaWifwT4D83QUOS_TaioIn1M9cizeaL27tSONbftlPWDBClGbk6bbEhdLY7dJVhyphenhyphen1SzONTfQmazaeA6TslZXnCqr//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gas Stations covered in signatures</td>
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<div>After a pit stop David and I rode to meet his dad at the church hostel in Jeffrey City. </div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Ho" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ty3M41oCTTQlRUwFY39dN4qRFuFs9dcn0VUbE5K5vxum396JbdMANEF2L46HW_nLbWImgpVK35pUVyj22EKco1ayZOLd7wggH5l5YqgrgCKc4Ok7f1jAcdRly2N2DQQtAke71gcNOfya//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hostel in Jeffrey City</td>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DQqfrUeVSqFxZdiGuiqe3j6-8ckAr10WPLa6RBTzFpwEX0kFuzFmpdjzoigkAjxGGvS1j1WmIfxuoXBt_z8caBDpzE91cNdlb4xgJLtF4rn0pHqsYos2roqBx_cH4G4h2FzMM6FtiVYg//"><img title="Close up" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DQqfrUeVSqFxZdiGuiqe3j6-8ckAr10WPLa6RBTzFpwEX0kFuzFmpdjzoigkAjxGGvS1j1WmIfxuoXBt_z8caBDpzE91cNdlb4xgJLtF4rn0pHqsYos2roqBx_cH4G4h2FzMM6FtiVYg//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div>Jeffrey City is an old town that grew to the thousands due to findings of Uranium for the war in the 60s. Now it is an abandoned town of 52. However, there is a great church here that is basically a hostel for cyclist.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Hoste" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTp-xCnJiBcLAwHHcmLzodJfMHdJN1j7oH9acVdY-LNsP_uKuCyCZwOKMntKnP8ImidKR-aLPndFfzteqXxJEbiAxld_QkvblYdD9SKATMlXqv8WftsPAXVI4CnXSoDOmo7I02Sccr0jL//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the hostel. Basketball anyone?</td>
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<div>A cyclist left a great touring tire here. This is what you call a trail angel. I was able to replace my front tire with this one thus saving me money at the bike shop in Lander tomorrow. All is good!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOJqSSkv-AV5pljgv_Ds9s_sNX3GZEs-fqosDVWBOaT5RRw9CQdj2FtCWDNqxy73TdQ0a_0eAGUzOQrF9lmDUxpwHsBEVhi70V_7sB2X-gkxpA5nYzYTJvcCIXyxdte18hU90jIHp00xj//"><img title="Flat" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOJqSSkv-AV5pljgv_Ds9s_sNX3GZEs-fqosDVWBOaT5RRw9CQdj2FtCWDNqxy73TdQ0a_0eAGUzOQrF9lmDUxpwHsBEVhi70V_7sB2X-gkxpA5nYzYTJvcCIXyxdte18hU90jIHp00xj//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></a></div>
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<div>We met Colin here from DC traveling west and it looks like it will be us four through at least Yellowstone!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-74289551029256622292016-08-10T19:38:00.000-07:002016-08-10T19:38:15.102-07:00Day 52: My First Flat!<div><strong>Tabernash, CO to Walden, CO</strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 68.7</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 3,081.4</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 52 avg speed: 13.7 MPH</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 52 elevation gain: 2,997 ft</strong></span></div>
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<div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCYB00stXf4">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 52</a></div>
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<div>Bill, my amazing host and former chef, cooked up eggs and beans from the crock pot with caramalized onions and turnips from his garden complete with coffee from the French press.</div>
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<div>Bill is taking him and his bike to Europe to travel all around France, Spain and Italy. We got to talk a lot about touring tactics and he even gave me a few history lessons. He loves history.</div>
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<div>Once I was packed up, Bill told me where I could stop to load up on groceries about 10 miles away and he would drive and meet me there so we could bike to Willow Pass together.</div>
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<div>I checked off the usual grocery list of Gatorade, Cliff bars and Mios, but this time I added Nutella!!!! No more unsatisfied chocolate cravings.</div>
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<div>We rode off north toward highway 125. Of course, it was beautiful.</div>
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<div>However there were a lot of dead pine trees which was a little disconcerting. I asked Bill about it and he said it was a beetle infestation many years ago. It's pretty astonishing small little bugs can destroy acres upon acres of trees. Fortunately any tree under a 4" diameter survived and is continuing to grow today.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Dead trees" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRNZ4951nwBkYiRPL-QzHyjaBl2pqaUVaPuBj8qdjpD12VFlb4qwM6p29evL6PS5tiyeLh1l7rkK6uTvhZB9Gk5fXMU6SQyh9wgODwMsT2zbChV5IeNCIYec-Df8H3xrwz-_slHCxx8iT//" alt="" width="500" height="666" data-json="" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Trees</td>
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<div>Fun fact: I was listening to a podcast by Radiolab titled, "From Tree to Shining Tree" that spoke about trees and their relationship to one another. Essentially there is a fungi on the roots under ground that are like tubes. The trees give these fungi sugar and the fungi give the tree minerals from the soil. When a tree gets infected by, let's say bugs, it can send messages to the surrounding trees to let them know about the bugs and those surrounding trees can give off a bad taste to the bugs to wart them off. </div>
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<div>Furthermore, when a tree starts to die, it will send its nutrients and whatnot to any newer, baby trees to help them grow and survive. So... Makes sense why the younger trees survived. Check out Radiolab podcast, it's great.</div>
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<div>Anyway, as we continued on Bill noticed his tire getting flat. Actually, he had changed the tube before he left, but the problem persisted. So we pulled over and he changed it again. This time, the tube held.</div>
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<div>I rode with Bill to this fascinating rock formation just before he turned around to go back home. Check it out below. It looks like someone built it there as a wall. So cool!</div>
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<div>We didn't make it to the pass together, but it was only a few miles further and Bill had to get back. I shook Bill's hand three times before departing; a sign, I think, of an established friendship in less than 24 hours.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img title="Bill" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirbVme6X3xUNDVMnUczkMkesXLgv7mHkJRbnQl3-SBe975erjJdvtvBEh460QwuweL9JbceqgJ3LzHBa-3JWmEzlM07cApWyJt0E5g4S2gnnX3ENvgT6nxJuDP5hRX5FAIvA2uSaZKwz0//" alt="" width="500" height="666" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Anderson, Former Chef and 5 Star Warm Showers Host</td>
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<div>I was excited to be over this pass and on a downhill to my spot at Walden North Park. Just 1/8 of a mile to go.</div>
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<div>PSSSSSSSST!</div>
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<div>No that is not a friend calling me over to check out a nearby buffalo, that was my tire going flat in half a second.</div>
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<div>52 days, it had to happen sometime.</div>
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<div>I timed myself and made a quick change in 15 minutes. Only problem, my pump was broken and I couldn't get the tire above something like 15 PSI. Not good, I want to be at 50 minimum.</div>
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<div>Lucky me... As it seems to be, here comes Terry flying down the pass.</div>
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<div>He called if I needed anything and I shouted, "Got a pumped?!"</div>
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<div>He did and he pulled over to help. Terry is incredible. He rode the Transam 40 years ago when it started in 1976 and now, "I wanted to see if I could do it again," at age 78!</div>
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<div>He was full of joy and laughter and happy to help me. He also told me he just met a father son duo a few hours ago... I knew it was Marion and David that I met with Mike back a few weeks. Thanks Terry!</div>
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<div>With that all said and done, I cruised over the pass and flew down the remaining 30 miles to Walden.</div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shout out to my flag football team, Wolves of Willow!</td>
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<div>There was an incredible sight of the surrounding mountains and rain storms just over the pass. I got stuck in a small one with very small bits of hail, it was cold but I made it through and dried off in no time. An easy feat when riding over 17 MPH.</div>
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<div>I entered Walden to find Marion exiting the cleaners. He told me where to find David in the park and so off I went.</div>
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<div>RAINBOW!</div>
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<div>Now we're at this beautiful park under a gazebo with only a beautiful sunset surrounding us. It's always great to be camping with buddies. Supposed to get down to the low 40s tonight. I will be snuggled up (with my sleeping bag, not the Marion's)!</div>
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<div>Nutella out!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-62271311447553948392016-08-09T15:29:00.000-07:002016-08-09T20:32:20.435-07:00Day 50 & 51: Saved By the People<strong>Denver, CO to Nederland, CO to Tabernash, CO</strong>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>2 Day Mileage: 54.3 + 39.2 = 93.5</strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 3,012.7 </strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 50 Average Speed: 9.5 MPH</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 50 Elevation Gain: 5,648 ft</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 51 Average Speed: 11.4 MPH</strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 51 Elevation Gain: 3,392 ft</strong></span>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXkPOLgB0dY">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day (off) 49</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMTytLVP7xY">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 50</a>
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MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 51
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Yes, yes, yes. I do love Denver. There is plenty to do in the city and it's not over crowded, thus cycling is breeze. To top it off, there were two cops directing traffic while Adam and I rode around town. I slowed to a stop to obey their directive and the female officer turned when she noticed us and waved us on, then apologized, "sorry to make you stop." <br />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where Amber works</td>
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Where in the world am in?! This is not one of those cop rants. This is a simple statement. Holy shit I didn't get a dirty look by a police officer while on my bicycle!!!
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So I love the city, but it still is just another city. What makes Denver great is the ability to get out of the city and see some amazing stuff.
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Our host for Sunday night was Sean Ryan and he made sure we got that experience. We drove out to Estes Park and hiked to Ryan's favorite spot, Emerald Lake. Words and pictures won't do the scenery justice, but I'll let you look anyway.
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We even saw a family of elk! They were super chill and had no problem letting us get close and take some great pictures.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean's pumped about the elk</td>
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We made our way to the third lake of the path, Sean's cave.
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Sean took a few swigs of whiskey, his shirt and shoes were off and he was jumping into Emerald Lake. A lake formed from the runoff of the melting glaciers. He gave a good whoop, but didn't make it sound too bad... My turn... With the GoPro rolling there was no turning back. I dove.
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I don't know where to begin to describe the feeling of diving into an ice cube. My heart wasn't in my throat, but somewhere at the bottom of the lake. My testicles is what were in my throat. I could hardly catch my breath due to that blockage and couldn't do more than doggy paddle to the rocky shore. (See the video of my dive on Instagram (@msquaredye), you can hear me squeal)
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't let the smile fool you, I'm frozen</td>
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Thank you Sean.
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<strong>Day 50</strong>
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<br />
So beings day 50 and a goodbye to Adam. After a great weekend with my best friend and the first person I am seeing from back home, it was hard to leave. Even hard to ride. I didn't realize how homesick seeing Adam would make me feel. Thus, making riding hard to get into.
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But continue I must one mile at a time. It was a lot of climbing but I was happy to know I had a Warm Showers host set up for tonight, Bill Anderson.
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Not so fast...
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Google Maps really did screw me this time. I brought me down a dirt road for a very long time... Maybe 6 miles. I was getting nervous but had faith. Once I reached the end of that road, all that was left was a hikers trail. Not a trail I could ride, not to mention the guy leaving the trail said it only gets worse. Like rock steps worse.
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The guy leaving happened to be Marty and just behind him, Jeff. They basically told me I am better off turning around. Marty offered to drive me back to the highway which was super generous. I could then make my way down the highway around this damn mountain. But I don't think I will be making it to my warm showers tonight, thus upsetting me further and setting me back.
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I threw Jasper in his pickup and we made our way back to highway 119. After a brief discussion about what I am doing and where I am from, etc., Marty asks if I would like to join them for dinner. I did not hesitate... Yes Marty, please! (I would later ask to pitch my tent in their yard, of course he said yes!)
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Marty and his family was just finishing up their annual family vacation at their cute cabin in Nederland, CO. With a few nieces already gone, I took their place!
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His whole family was so nice and happy to have me. Even with 9 people over, they included me in all their conversation and never left me feeling excluded. I even got a photo shoot with the local foxes!
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Marty and Jeff saved me. Their generosity turned what would have been the first miserable day of this trip into another day of love and kindness. Sure, now I am a day behind, but Bill said I was still welcome tomorrow night so long as I could get there by 3 PM (no problem with an early rise), so I cannot complain.
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<strong>Day 51</strong>
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The tent was perfect. It was cool and I was cuddled in my sleeping bag. I snoozed the 5 AM alarm and woke up again at 5:45.
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I shared some yogurt and cereal with Marty, packed up Jasper and was... Oh shit, where is my helmet?<br />
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Of course I left it in Marty's truck. His wife took the truck to Boulder so I had to wait. Now I am not sure I'll make it to Bill's by 3.
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Well, Marty made some sausage and trout (trout was amazing) for breakfast number two while we wait and told me, no problem he will throw Jasper in his cab and drive me wherever I need.
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Let me confirm, I did not cheat across this beautiful state. First of all, I have gone out of my way back east to climb Mount Evans and ride into Denver. Second, where he was dropping me was just past Idaho Springs (where I stayed before climbing Evans) so I would be continuing back west on a route I have already ridden. Third, I hit 3,000 miles today so BACK OFF!
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So I took off from Downieville and said farewell to Marty. He wouldn't even accept gas money for driving me 45 minutes. Just a genuinely great guy.
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Today my 40 miles consisted of climbing Berthoud Pass and riding down it to Bill's in Tabernash. That is it. Up and over. Let's go!
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Well wait, I need a snack. I pulled over to take a picture of the Welcome to Empire sign and have some trail mix. Lucky me, Valentine was passing by with two lone back panniers (no tent or anything else).<br />
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He pulled over immediately. We had the usual questions for each other: where, when, why, bike, etc. Turns out were both civil engineers.
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The conversation wasn't going to end, so I jumped on Jasper and said, "Lets ride together!"
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<br />
Valentine, from Switzerland and I rode up Berthoud pass talking the whole time. Like he said, it's great to have someone to climb a mountain with because it distracts you from the pain and hunger you likely have. I was hurting and would have stopped at least twice, but Valentine kept a good pace and I stuck with him the whole way with no rest!
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I loved speaking and riding with Valentine because he wasn't afraid to ask my age or even my income. Everyone is so sensitive about this, but sharing this information allowed for some deeper conversation. Speaking of, Valentine is a damn good looking 50 year old. He attributes it all to cycling. Go cycling!
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So we made the climb together and I said bye to Valentine for his descent while I went to the bathroom.
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"Goodbye my Polish friend!" He shouted as he rode away. I replied, "I'm American!" But he didn't hear me...
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The descent to Tabernash was epic. So gorgeous. Come on, Colorado, you can't help yourself!
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I made it to Bill's at 1:30. Ahhhh nice short day.
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Bill made me feel right at home. As a former chef, he made a homemade salad (everything from his giant garden) and tacos with unbelievable salsa.<br />
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I am super comfortable in a leather chair, enjoying a beer and watching the olympics with this view! Life is good.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-63099871282454137832016-08-07T11:45:00.002-07:002016-08-07T11:45:29.921-07:00Day 45, 46 and off 3 days in Denver: I CLIMBED MOUNT EVANS!<b>Breckenridge, CO to Idaho Springs, CO to Denver, CO</b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: blue;">2 Day Mileage: 55.4 + 98.1 = 153.5</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Total Mileage: 2,919.2</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Day 45 avg speed: 11.3 MPH</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Day 45 elevation: 3,800 ft</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Day 46 avg speed: 11.6 MPH</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Day 46 elevation: 8,572 ft</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URqvlZSxHT4">MSquared Velo Day 45</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI7rtD0VAts">MSquared Velo Day 46</a> (Noooo I forgot to save this until 9am the next day so I miss 3 hours (of 3:50 hours) of the climb!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FICegADNf8s">MSquared Velo Off Day 47</a><br />
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I felt the crisp air hit my face as I stepped outside of Fireside Inn and drew in a deep breath. With the temperature just touching 60 degrees, it felt like an early fall day.<br />
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Aren't those the days you feel most in touch with nature? When you can feel the cool air enters your lungs and the breeze tastes as fresh as stuffing your face into the still warm towel right from the dryer?<br />
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Waking up and walking outside in gorgeous Breckenridge is a real treat.<br />
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I headed north onto a greenway that would take me to Frisco for 8 miles until I turned east on highway 6 toward Idaho Springs. AKA the base of Mount Evans.<br />
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The greenway is gorgeous and quite possibly my favorite bike path of all the bike paths... Little did I know what was in store for me.<br />
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Once on highway 6 I began my first climb for the day. As I made my way up Swan Mountain, cyclist upon cyclist are flying down and passing off head nods as they finish their descent. There are lots and lots of cyclist in Breckenridge. It's great. I even got to speak with a few as they passed me on their way up highway 6.<br />
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Let's not forget about the views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding Rockies.<br />
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Once at the top of Swan Mountain I spoke with a cyclist about my upcoming Mount Evans climb. He then warned me that I still have to get past Loveland Pass. This was not the first time I heard this, probably the 4th. Now I really realize I am not just going to float to Idaho Springs... not just yet at least.<br />
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Until then, I will keep enjoying these views!<br />
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Once over Swan Mountain, I enjoyed a spectacular descent onto my newest favorite greenway. Not only surrounded by mountains, evergreens and a river, but I got to ride through a golf course and yell, "Get in the hole!" to an old foursome teeing off.<br />
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Once I reluctantly left this greenway, I made my way down highway 6 the start of the 8 mile climb up Loveland Pass.<br />
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Even though this is a huge climb and there is no rest for 8 straight miles, its a slow incline and allows for a good rhythm to develop. As I have said before, the Appalachians were not forgiving like Rockies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesin' over these views</td></tr>
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I took my time up Loveland Pass riding at a high cadence so I wouldn't wear myself out for tomorrow.<br />
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I crept my way up to the summit of 12,000 feet noticing the sparsity of trees start to develop. Per Wikipedia, the tree line in the Rockies ranges from 9,000 to 11,600 feet. Despite this, my breathing felt fine! Again, I was not exerting too much effort, so heavy breathing was never required in the first place.<br />
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Another successful climb which means... ANOTHER BIG DESCENT! Let's go Jasper!!<br />
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It was a quick ride down highway 6 and I almost flew by a right turn that would take me on my new favorite greenway. For a moment I thought the descent was over, then the Bakerville Loveland Trail turned down hill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3owjpCe7fKf6HUyxpGYkMDmih37djbAC2jyOKivlb41EjgYuQa2_qMCQB97dLysseKLwisLKCOlYqY_xNVeDfy6HKdGRT7Ucuwkv8_SDz6K54QbehUhG415-kFBCK6rLsiZj8778KZd3X/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3owjpCe7fKf6HUyxpGYkMDmih37djbAC2jyOKivlb41EjgYuQa2_qMCQB97dLysseKLwisLKCOlYqY_xNVeDfy6HKdGRT7Ucuwkv8_SDz6K54QbehUhG415-kFBCK6rLsiZj8778KZd3X/s320/IMG_0808.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See Instagram for this video</td></tr>
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Bakerville trail was a blast. I bolted through the evergreens over 35 mph, dipping in and out of turns like a pro. No roller coaster could replicate this feeling.<br />
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The whole rest of the way to Idaho Springs was downhill. A glorious and gorgeous ride along Clear Creek. The mountains turned into cliff faces to the north and south as I raced the river east toward Denver.<br />
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I grabbed a late lunch in historic Georgetown, CO. A cute little town stuffed in between the mountain faces and Georgetown Lake. Georgetown is an original member of the Colorado Gold Rush in the late 1850s.<br />
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Another perfect time to stop. The threatening clouds let loose as I stepped inside of Happy Cooker.<br />
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When the rain cleared I rode the final 12 miles to Idaho Springs with barely a pedal.<br />
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I then went motel shopping until I found the cheapest room in Idaho Springs. I wanted a room to leave all my bags, tent, sleeping bag, etc in so I could climb Mount Evans unburdened.<br />
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I ate my joke of a dinner (two ramens, PB wrap, peanuts and beef jerky) with Livi via facetime. It was a lovely date that cost me nothing!<br />
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I then prepped breakfast and made sure everything was ready to go for the big climb tomorrow morning.<br />
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Alarm 5:14 - I ate more peanut butter, heated instant coffee mixed with ensure, quick oats and dried fruit and a knock-off Five Hour Energy called Tweaker.</div>
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Out the door at 5:57 and turn onto Highway 103 after a quick "warm up" mile to begin the 28 miles climb.</div>
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At 6:15 I reach mile 3 thinking... this is going to be tiring. Only 30 minutes later around mile seven, I am finally feeling warmed up and begin to get in a good rhythm. Also... I'm already a quarter of the way done!</div>
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After an hour and ten minutes I began to approach 10,000 feet at mile 11. The road started to open up over the surrounding mountains and the beautiful views began. Those are the views that get me excited and that is when I start to feel the adrenaline.</div>
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Much needed adrenaline to ignore my toes which are already beginning to freeze. Nobody on any websites told me to wear two pairs of socks!</div>
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I think Livi jinxed me last night. She did not believe I have <i>not </i>had to go in the woods to drop a deuce yet. Now I feel like that moment could be approaching and I left my emergency TP behind. I won't make it another few hours up this mountain.</div>
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Luckily I happen to know Echo Lake campsite was coming up soon around mile 13 and I would probably make a pit stop. I did, and it was quick. I don't mean the poop, but the pit stop in general. The bathroom was right next to the road so I was in and out.</div>
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I knew Echo Lake was approaching because I thought about staying here last night and making the climb from here. I am glad I didn't. That's cheating... and if I'm gong to climb any mountain, it's going to be the full mountain, in one effort; the right way.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echo Lake</td></tr>
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Once that was taken care of, I was back on the bike and feeling great. I took the right turn past Echo Lake Campsite and onto part two of the climb, highway 5.</div>
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This is when it got freezing and I gave in and threw my rain jacket on.</div>
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Now I am just past halfway around 11,000 feet after almost 2 hours. The fastest person up Mount Evans would have been done about 10 minutes ago.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6sN7DSXyTRhVeU33KRFhB33tR4tax4hnp7HVNf1HYaljWsoRq_Eg_EMO9VkTcyrldVYQphM9Oglq-w3BM4eJmjMH4i1nm2onrlwr24oWvej1dASdHLbiOmML39UHENQjgaUoijgXnZaj/s1600/IMG_9931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6sN7DSXyTRhVeU33KRFhB33tR4tax4hnp7HVNf1HYaljWsoRq_Eg_EMO9VkTcyrldVYQphM9Oglq-w3BM4eJmjMH4i1nm2onrlwr24oWvej1dASdHLbiOmML39UHENQjgaUoijgXnZaj/s320/IMG_9931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As the tree line approached so did the morning fog... or are these clouds?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mile 8 of 15 on highway 5</td></tr>
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Breathing and climbing was still fine, but breathing, climbing, eating and drinking was a different story. I stopped for a cliff bar and water at mile 22 with nothing but fog, rocks and the road in front of me to look at.</div>
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Then all of a sudden I am reaching speeds of 15-20 mph. It feels like I am on a flat part of the mountain and am able to get serious momentum... but I have no idea whats around me.</div>
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Spoiler alert, the clouds cleared on my way down and I saw at that part of the climb, I was actually on a pretty significant descent. Being able to see my surroundings on the way down, I can see I was riding into a gorgeous clearing at Summit Lake.</div>
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Now begins the final few miles up the 11 switchbacks. My adrenaline is really pumping now. I threw on "Power" by Big Gigantic to really get my blood flowing. </div>
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There were nasty headwinds when I turned right heading west and great tailwinds when I turned left heading east. Back and forth, back and forth, mountain goat here, mountain goat there until I reached the summit!</div>
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Numb toes, numb fingers all forgotten. I made it to the top among the cars and people snugged up in beanies, scarfs, gloves and boots.</div>
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From a great tip via a blog I read, I had my Patagonia down jacket to throw on and I began my descent. 30 miles of straight NO pedaling!</div>
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Yeah right, I pedaled a lot... <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnA1Q2JvvJo">I wanna go fast!</a></div>
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As I mentioned the fog cleared just as I turned down Mount Evans. It was incredible. I could have taken pictures and videos the whole way down, but eventually I just decided to enjoy the ride.</div>
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So I dominated Mount Evans... at least I say I did! <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/665533772/segments/16296005344">In 3:49:14 I rode up 6.510 feet over 27.5 miles</a> That is good enough for 1738th out of 2311 attempts on Strava. I'll take it!</div>
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At the top of Mount Evans I heard a family talking about getting pizza for lunch. As cold as I was that sounded amazing. I thought about it the whole way down. Once I packed up my stuff from the motel I headed straight for the first pizza place I could find and at a whole medium pizza for myself.</div>
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I rode the remaining 25 miles to Denver without a hitch. Nah just kidding I really screwed myself by not listening to Google Maps... But that is a story for next time.</div>
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Amber's boyfriend, Willy, welcomed me to their home with a beer and relaxing conversation. It was a perfect way to end a long days ride. Even better, 3 days off in Denver with my best friend and brother, Adam!</div>
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Amber and Willy are incredible hosts with even better dogs. Taylor, or "T" and Mawgs are super chill dogs that can hang with the best of 'em. Huge thanks to them for having Adam and I this weekend. Thanks to Amber and Willy too.<br />
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It was amazing to have Adam here in Denver with me. While Amber and Willy were at work, Adam and I got to catch up on the last 45 days of brotherly love through food, beer and baseball. Thank you to my best friend for coming out and making me feel like I am home away from home.<br />
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I am loving Denver, but can't wait to continue the second half of this journey!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-37951994746206829782016-08-03T06:50:00.000-07:002016-08-06T10:32:23.843-07:00Days 43 & 44: I heart Guffey<div>
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<strong>Pueblo, CO to Guffey, CO to Brekenridge, CO</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>2 Da</strong></span><strong style="color: #000fff;">y Mileage: 70.4 + 68.2 = 138.6</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 2,765.7</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 43 Average Speed: 10.1</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 43 Elevation: 5,912 ft</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 44 Average Speed: 11.6</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 44 Elevation: 4,441 ft</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMDDWCkdsdA">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 43</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb5jdTDQ0lI">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 44</a></div>
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I rolled out of bed early on Day 43 because I had 70 miles to go and knew the hills were coming on highway 9. I just didn't know how bad they would be... When I called Bill at Guffey's Hostel and told him I am coming from Pueblo he told me, "You better be getting up early." It was extra assurance that my 6 AM alarm was necessary. That also lead to me Starbucks for a cold brew.<br />
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As soon as I turned onto highway 50 I was blasted with headwinds. I could barely get above 10 MPH, but I could see the mountains more clearly today so I was filled with motivation... And the cold brew.</div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the mountains waaay back there?</td>
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So I made my way to Canon City for lunch around 30 miles. I found a very cute coffee/bike shop to pop into because I had a list of items to be looked at... And at the very least I wanted my tires topped off, so I left Jasper with Mark and wandered the town.</div>
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The list consisted of:</div>
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1. Handle bar tape was falling off because it got ripped apart when I fell a few days back</div>
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2. Also my gear switcher knob thing is loose on the right side, but not effecting changing gears (before the fall but the fall also made it worse)</div>
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3. On the opposite side, my gears wouldn't switch to the smallest cog (the one I need to climb these upcoming mountains)</div>
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4. My pedal is clicking</div>
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5. Air in tires</div>
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6. Clip this damn wire that gets I my way</div>
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Mark fixed everything! I am ready for highway 9. Only a few more miles!</div>
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Finally I'm IN the mountains! They are gorgeous. Every turn, every top of a hill, every bottom of a hill; it's all beautiful. </div>
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But I cannot lie, I was struggling. It has been some time since I have been constantly battling uphills. I forgot how much more energy it took and how I needed to be snacking more. Forgot isn't the right word, of course it's more energy, I should say I just wasn't ready for it all at once. </div>
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Ok... I forgot. </div>
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By the time I was a few miles from Guffey I was drained. The last mile hill was torture. It didn't seem steep but I couldn't get my legs to push myself faster than a few MPH on the granny gear. Even knowing I was a mile away from the day's end wasn't enough motivation. Bill even said he would have all the beer I could drink when I showed up... Even still, I just had nothing.</div>
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I was tired I actually stopped for a drink of water with 0.4 miles left... Eventually, I made it!</div>
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(Insert note: I didn't feel the lack of oxygen being too big of a problem. I was out of breath quicker at times, but I slowed down and made sure to take deep breathes and I would be back to normal in no time. I should give a big shoutout to Amber who is hosting me in Denver. She reminded me to be careful of the altitude and I didn't forget the tip.)</div>
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Truth is, I was skeptical about Bill and his hostel. I was warned at Gillian's that it was terrible. The group I met exclaimed to me, "Bill pointed to some tractor wheels and said there's a shower over there and there was no shower," or "We were in this little cabin with no electricity or running water and the table was totally falling over... And the outhouse... Ugh" But they said it was an experience worth doing.</div>
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When I pulled up outside Bill's house, I gave him a ring and he came right outside. To his word, he grabbed me a beer and we sat down are started talking. </div>
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Bill was full of great stories. His hostel was part of the original Transam in 1976 and has been a staple ever since. As my body quickly absorbed the alcohol, we developed a great rapport. We laughed as we talked about this crazy world we live in and he even told me about his granddaughters legal pot growing opporation. It's always "pot" to anyone over 40.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxXDdmYdR2GgrRb0AcZ8IDQT10lHrn6NEAI7tftviKbXbajl9tJJSAieczBK42-n1a7Kbb0MFRMmPRpNXk2xSsYiiz-y8sv086yqkvE69kEBK-TFIHMfrlJ4RPYPy4JpdaKeqv4fe-x6-//" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxXDdmYdR2GgrRb0AcZ8IDQT10lHrn6NEAI7tftviKbXbajl9tJJSAieczBK42-n1a7Kbb0MFRMmPRpNXk2xSsYiiz-y8sv086yqkvE69kEBK-TFIHMfrlJ4RPYPy4JpdaKeqv4fe-x6-//" title="Men and Bill" width="421" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill and I</td>
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Bill was too hungover from the previous night to come out with me, but he showed me my digs, where to find the shower (yup, over there behind those tractor wheels), and to make sure I go down to the The Bull Moose for drinks with the locals.</div>
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Let me say this really quick, don't listen to anybody. Well, you can listen, but that is all you should do. The couple at Gillian's almost scared me away from this place. But upon arrival and meeting Bill I was already having one of the best days of the trip. Everyone is different, so you have to experience things for your own.</div>
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So having said that, I love cabin! No electricity, no running water, who cares! The table was leaning a little, yeah and...?</div>
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Just look at this place!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEvCp5c8se9BrqWAUKErlh0W5rDwZxizTFK2hUul3Mrb06FErguWtZ56XUqYhhdFpUrpoI6GAAQ4awTm9G-7NBLzbK9mChTltNPiyzGLtIKdYCfias549NrUv_W4Zu2jGi7hB5fX_3LrZ//" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEvCp5c8se9BrqWAUKErlh0W5rDwZxizTFK2hUul3Mrb06FErguWtZ56XUqYhhdFpUrpoI6GAAQ4awTm9G-7NBLzbK9mChTltNPiyzGLtIKdYCfias549NrUv_W4Zu2jGi7hB5fX_3LrZ//" title="Dead bull" width="500" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cabin</td>
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<img alt="" data-json="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn37l2Gaka5qv5VLwNLcsmN_gv_lX3kqk-TuYZJ_4T63ys-9cx9ogp_271l49JN4A6IdG5S-YOML9njVUT7Y14UcIqnuhLIh6OIPQ8OvTxpR3AtTUBH7Z6HxwC2R4b5X6uLihEh7q47MK//" title="Table" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The horrifying leaning table!</td>
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Then I found the showers, no problem. Right by the wheels where he explained. The shower was an amazing set up. Like the dressing room of an actress filming in the Wild West. All wood and two big sized mirrors giving you the ability to check any and all of your body parts. The tub behind it was cut so you could easily step in and out and the shower produced hot water. So what the shower head was a hose, it was hot!</div>
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<img alt="" data-json="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3kuJ0QKlSnG1KC4vwa_opm-fIYZsdViAH6xCaOfths5wmPd28nzgPh2unUfv1PHcpXTdmZsGbeWQu2tRfj-L2_jk5XSAudLfFKFFPn2-BqYeKng0vVNLqXbGBda-_t3cgvurnGenOVSp//" title="Pamper" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pamper town</td>
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<img alt="" data-json="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ek6-u0OYhiHZhcBX2G1Ak8gVSClMpVwcgFSv-7lyQ1mSx7lJC2TByozSn4SxrQ8CpWh_DnTuuO1y12ftO8PdHPmV56qB1ceQfTVC4KDV0I3wfuzBdtgyBUlM_3_bKytLNwzKId2PjC4H//" title="Shower" width="500" /></td>
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The outhouse was your traditional outhouse... But it smelt better than any porta-potty I have ever stepped in so once again, what's the fuss!?</div>
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<img alt="" data-json="" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnoHKbsKLBKH5l2NNOXhiyqftoLQ-dJ237ZTukb7Nu6feeM_lm1QZaHgk-70TRJlm84V4_uygM02JbB0dnfFiZbemSPJJ1mfbUpkevsb-SSvakjwPXFe4VKPPJTKoF1EHlCOzFtbGbE1z//" title="Outhouse" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outhouse to your right (showers off in the distance)</td>
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All showered up, I made my way to The Bull Moose. I could hear the live music from my cabin a few hundred yards away. Turns out they were all practicing for the big music festival in two weeks.</div>
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So I get to the bar and meet Karen. A cute 75 year old Irish woman still running laps from table to table. She introduces me to everyone. "This is Matt from New York and he is one of the cyclist staying at Bill's!" I had a great time meeting all the characters that could ever find a place like Guffey to move to.</div>
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A few beers and a few shots later, I am drunk and tired. Tired drunk. Time for bed. I chugged about 40 ozs of water, got up to pee 3 times in 20 minutes and finally passed out.</div>
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I love Guffey!</div>
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<img alt="" data-json="" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHd9FcR9ec2RYyubzorNAXKTI9r3zPTXBe-Uratas41omQEMQzRr5BAb0xl_C_W7hk27WOH4-cdtnrRlPa3nnhcxU1Bsmspc_V5JBDc7TeJuYOji8m4ORmTo1sn-za_5Iab3HewjjUBZ2//" title="Guffey" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye Guffey</td>
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I made it out of Guffey without a hangover! My only really problem was that it dropped below 60 and I had to grab my sleeping bag and curl up around 4 AM. Problem solved. I even donned my arm sleeves before riding out knowing that the descents would be chilly. They were.</div>
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I <em>flew</em> out of Guffey down that mile hill that killed me last night. Wow, that was not a small hill. No wonder I struggled so much.</div>
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I turned back on highway 9 for more gorgeous views, which included seeing my first buffalo of the trip, though not wild.</div>
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I stopped in Hartsel for lunch and a coffee. The bartender suggest the burrito for the extra calories and it was GIANT. Some of the other patrons I spoke with were asstonished not only that I finished it, but how fast I finished it. It was so good.</div>
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Belly full and more caffeine, I took off. Only a few miles later highway 9 opened up into a flat valley for miles around. </div>
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With mountains far out on all sides of me, the views were breathtaking. No pictures will do this justice.</div>
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10 miles later I reached Fairplay, aka South Park. Yes, <em>the</em> South Park, CO!</div>
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Just beyond that first picture is a museum of the town the way it was in the 1800s. I skipped everything except the obligatory photos and moved on.</div>
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At last, just past Alma and 4 cannabis shops, I reached what I assumed was my final climb for the day (it was). Four miles to the top of Hoosier Pass. It was incredibly overcast and getting chilly. During the climb I would sweat, then all of a sudden have the chills. I kept on pushing in awe of the views to my left.</div>
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Then before I knew it I made it! Like people have said, the Rockies are high, but they are long, slow climbs compared to the steepness of the Appalachians. </div>
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<img alt="" data-json="" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs4hLnZ-CbU4fTC06D2IJ5TgM413EPwxo0snRyefI1c0_hnzNMvC8bOFUzMrstOjvGH_HZT4npze1Zs3Dhf_h79vRfEfXTlKlNU1v3nWIVWByoJpI4N8XUbrkBNM-TVzSuVcB9SL5h-e4//" title="Peak" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Your mom is texting"</td>
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I threw on my rain coat for extra warmth and made the decent. You can never help to scream joy when flying down a mountain like this.</div>
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<img alt="" data-json="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCbvjjz37Ihvc_Ox42gjUFdVMDnnVvimCnpHvCXNNINCSfB30lxVI8cIZ7QibsvZHA5pVgMszQ6rrlvwFKjM48y1-jXU_hv9_C75uQIceQo_8txJHbtBUIj8auY7DaFAVON4QFhPdtgsf//" title="Downhill" width="500" /></td>
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I was riding between 30-45 MPH for many miles, passing trucks and screaming at the top of my lungs. Too much fun.</div>
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At some point, I entered Breckenridge.</div>
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Again, it was chilly and I started to feel rain drops. It was only about 10 miles to a campsite in Frisco, where I planned to stay, but Breckenridge is a very cute ski town and I couldn't get myself to leave. Likewise I did not want to get stuck in cold rain per the forecast. I hopped into a bike shop, grabbed some protein bars and asked about a cheap place to stay. This lead me to Fireside Inn. </div>
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For $35 bucks I got a shower, a comfy bed (shared with two others) and they would even do my laundry! Done deal!</div>
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Here I met my bunkmate, Paul. A very nice gentleman from the UK. He is vacationing Colorado and has been here a few days. He brought me to the local pizza joint where I ended up ordering a giant chicken parm.</div>
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Paul originally asked me to dinner so we could share the giant American portions. I quickly informed him that A. These are normal portions for me and B. I could probably eat both of our dinners.</div>
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He laughed and said fine, he will being having left overs for lunch. I ordered us spinach-artichoke dip to start off which he has never had. I am happy to say he loved it and announced will be ordering it with every dinner.</div>
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Paul told me about his visit to New York City with his wife last year. He stayed at two hotels, one in Union Square (my hood) and one on Park Ave by Central Park. Barcelona was once his favorite city, now New York is!!</div>
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He may be returning next year with his kids so I gave him my information with hopes that he will reach out and I can buy him a beer or six at McSorely's.</div>
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Tomorrow I make my way to the base of Mount Evans and on Thursday I make the climb to bag my first 14er (that's hiker code for a 14,000 foot mountain).</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-88469894437271954552016-07-31T19:03:00.000-07:002016-07-31T19:09:13.252-07:00Day 42: I CAN SEE THE ROCKIES!<strong>Ordway, CO to Pueblo, CO</strong>
<strong> </strong><br />
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 53.8</strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 2,627.1</strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Average MPH: 12.9</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> Elevation: 622 ft</strong></span>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLlyjl4kG_U">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 42</a>
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<img alt="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheplQrPHrR8jKzGiUFVFY2JdRTE-owtMD_GMPsGv7UFpocZ01k3U9iuv_DH0Vf34h7GihNHbWfms9OoUsJmVchzcNQaMh7o3Y2qdfbP45ru7I66D6pJghKQVC5mDd8mSNYeVQ-s6QhhGr2//" title="Dr and me" width="500" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dude Robot (Michael Riscica) and my sticker in Gillian's trailer. Let's start a wall of fame!!</td>
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That's a wrap on week 6! A month and a half and I have made it to the Rockies. Yes, I see them. They are far but I see them and they look inviting. No more nonstop pedaling and open skies, now it's time to kick it back up a notch and climb The Rocky Mountains!
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye bye flatlands!</td>
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I will undoubtably miss the easy pedaling through Kansas and Eastern Colorado, but it was getting redundant and I am ready to struggle up some hills if it means gorgeous views and flying back down said hill.
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We said our farewells to Gillian complete with a hug and made our way to the grocery store to stock up on snacks and Gatorade.
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Today is Mike and my last day riding together so we never left each other's side. Even after Mike got a flat after lunch in a location with no sun. I stood, helped where I could, and rocked out to a few songs while he struggled with not pinching the tube in the tire. This can cause flats.
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And what do ya know... Only 17 miles to go, we make it 7 and Mike's tire is going flat again... But hey, more time to rock out and bake in the sun!
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I gotta tell ya, Mike is getting better and quicker at this!
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We rode out for the last 10 miles to our warm showers host, Savre, in Pueblo. But wait! An ice cream shop! We made the obligatory stop.
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We showed up to Savre's and began helping prepare dinner. While Savre cooked, I changed my bike chain. I didn't bring my chain measuring tool to tell if it was totally worn out, but at over halfway I figured I would change it now since I have the spare (I am keeping the other chain for spare parts). I also want to be fresh for my Mount Evans climb.
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Dinner was beer battered zucchini, mushrooms, shrimp and fish. It was so amazing. Also so nice to have fish over burgers for once. Savre and her family and so welcoming and relaxed. It is nice to put my feet up in the AC and watch a movie. Ahhhh...
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Mike is passed out because he was given Benadryl for an achy chest. He's probably just nervous about leaving my side ;)
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Not to worry I will see him in Denver on Friday for the Rockies game, then we will part ways for the rest of the trip and I'll see him in New York!
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-19437685994768491462016-07-30T20:46:00.000-07:002016-07-30T20:51:55.174-07:00Day 40 & 41: Smoke 'em if ya got 'em<strong>Leoti, KS to Eads, CO to Ordway, CO</strong>
<strong> </strong><br />
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>2 Day Mileage: 79.6 + 62.3 = 141.9</strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 2,573.3</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> Day 40 Average MPH: 15.6</strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 40 Elevation: 1,208 ft</strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 41 Average MPH: 11.2</strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Day 41 Elevation: 725 ft</strong></span>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlDIxynTxQI">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 40</a>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoL9R0iUIvk">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 41</a>
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The carnival was fun-ish... Not more fun or different than the May Fair back in New Canaan, CT besides receiving a free burger and beans dinner and the rides being $0.25... And of course ice cream.<br />
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On Mike and my walk back home we picked up eggs, bacon and cheese to cook for the morning. It was fabulous and as I always say, it kicks off the day with energy on a full stomach.
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So contrary to my words on my last post regarding Mike and my plans, we felt the tail winds and before we took off decided to ride to Eads which is 80 miles away. Rather than riding an 88 mile day to Ordway tomorrow.
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Well the winds were certainly kicking. On an overcast day it made the first few hours of the ride chilly. Especially when the few rain showers passed through. But I won't complain too much. It was a nice change of pace and a refreshing cool down to the beating sun.
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Not to mention, you can't complain with all these tails winds. Everyone has made a comment about hitting the head winds going West in Kansas, but this is the opposite. Mike and I were averaging well over 16 MPH and LOVING IT!
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We breezed into Mountain time zone and only a few miles later into Colorful Colorado.
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As I mentioned on Facebook and Instagram, this is the commencement of the second half of my trip. Literally, but also mentally. I have been so excited to reach Colorado and now it's finally here!!!
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Mike and I stopped at the "first" town in Colorado and had a delicious Italian sub. As we took off, Mike noticed his tire was a little flat. It went a little limp a day earlier so he (we) made the decision, change the tube. It was Mike's first time doing it so I was there for mental support and guidance. I changed a tube once for practice, then ended up changing another because of an actual flat before leaving for this trip.
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It wasn't the worst place to stop. We were right on an old railroad with a cooling breeze blowing the corn and grasshoppers around in the background. </div>
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Being in Colorado, but still looking like Kansas, it made me think of <em>Dumb and Dumber</em> when Lloyd drives the wrong way into Arizona instead of Colorado and doesn't realize how flat it is until many, many miles later. So naturally...</div>
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So Mike successfully and painlessly changed his first tube! </div>
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We cruised right on into Eads, CO with the tailwinds still at our back. That's when I realized, oh I really am at the halfway point!</div>
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Ok, so not really. The Transam starts on the coast of Virginia whereas I started in NYC. Also I added miles to Nashville and Wichita, so I am well past halfway and also ahead of schedule!</div>
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Mike and I made camp in Eads Park and broke out our stoves for the first time in a while. We shared a few beers and a milkshake while the Mets game wound down and noticed, we're cold! Excellent news. Our tents wouldn't be so damn hot and we could get a good nights sleep.</div>
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It was chilly and windy. We slept great! </div>
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That wind though... Please being going west to east.</div>
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No such luck. The headwinds were bad on Day 41. Mike and I could not be happier we made up the miles yesterday when we had the tailwinds. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em!</div>
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Seriously though the headwinds were rough. Now I finally get what everyone was talking about. Compared to our 16 MPH pace yesterday, I was struggling to get above 10. After an hour of riding I looked at my mileage and it only said 9 miles... Oh man that was depressing. </div>
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Even getting to the next town at 20 miles took 2 hours whereas yesterday we would have eaten and been 32 miles out by then. Oh well... Head down and dig through!</div>
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The rest of the ride was a little bit more hilly, but not as beautiful as Kansas. So on through to Ordway!</div>
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I rolled in ahead of Mike to another town fair! As I was texting Mike to tell him I was here, I was approached by a woman who asked me where I was staying. I said, Gillian's, and she said, "Nice to meet ya!"</div>
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She directed me to her house which is gorgeous. There was already three people hanging out and Gillian told me another father son couple from Australlian was arriving later. She also mentioned she hosted 17 cyclist a few days ago. So awesome.</div>
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She"s got a ram, turkeys, horses and 4 of Jon Snow's Direwolf.</div>
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I love that all she asks from us cyclist is 15 minutes of light labor. She had Mike and I digging out some posts, so she can relocate them to grow grapes!</div>
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Before Mike and I went out to dinner for an amazing local meal with some great locals, Gillian showed us her little boats and I got a free lesson on sailing.</div>
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I hope I don't skimp over Gillian's house. It is late and I am tired, but she is an amazing woman. She delivers Mail on Saturday's, works with the town ambulance and gives sailing lessons to anyone willing to learn. Let's not forget her top notch hosting ability.</div>
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Off to Pueblo tomorrow. Where the real Colorado starts. Cannot wait.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-35924644397284717852016-07-28T15:08:00.000-07:002016-07-30T20:55:04.115-07:00Days 38 & 39: Sun Rays and Tailwinds!<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Larned, KS to Dighton KS, to Leoti, KS</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 Day Mileage: 96.9 + 49.1 = 146.0</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Total Mileage: 2,431.4</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Average MPH Day 38: 14.1</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Average MPH Day 39: 15.5</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Elevation Day 38: 1,282 ft</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Elevation Day 39: 538 ft</span></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM553_sTmLc"><span style="font-family: inherit;">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 38</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06fxZcoBfKo">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 39</a> (will be posted after some carni fun!)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">We woke up to thunderstorm on day 38. Or I should say, a thunderstorm woke us up promptly at 7ish.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">It was only passing, so we packed up under our Pavillion while it rolled through and we're ready to go when it finished.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Mike and I agreed this would likely be a big day for us because there was not much in the towns ahead. Rush Center was too close, only 35 miles. We called Elaine's bicycle hostel in Bazine but she said her husband is battling cancer so we are welcome to camp in the back yard, but laundry and showers would be 10 bucks. This was about 60 something miles away and everyone we met last night seemed to be going there. We didn't want to be added stress and preferred to trudge ahead to Dighton, about 100 miles away.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The ride was wonderful! Once we turned north toward Rush Center we got full on tail winds for about 20 miles. Upon reaching Rush Center we stopped for lunch at the local pub and order a 22 oz Bud Light for $2.50</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">We met a nice man named Terry who was leaving to go steal some sweet corn from his brother-in-law. He offered to find us in Ness City (30 miles further) and drive us to his house 5 miles outside of town. There he said we could have dinner and sweet corn. He also offered up his wife's services to do our laundry. We took his number but still had our eyes set on Dighton, 70 more miles away.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I felt great, Mike felt great... We reached Ness City but had no doubts we wanted to reach Dighton. So off we went.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We were mostly separated today. Mike was slightly behind me enjoying some obscure a capella group and probably also listening to the Comedy Bang Bang podcast and I was listening to my share of podcasts, audible and music.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">We both got to enjoy watching the giant clouds above and beyond us battle as one shown bright and white with the sun behind while the other struck out with lightening, thunder and rain many miles away.</span><br />
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By far the coolest scene was when the sun reached a certain point in the sky and started to burst through every hole in the clouds. We have all seen sun rays shine down from the sky, but what made this so mesmerizing was seeing rays from all angles of the sky. The rays far off to the right pierced the dark stormy backdrop at a steep angle. Not as far to the right were more rays streaming down at a more forgiving angle and finally, off to the left, were bright rays playing off the light blue sky. Then there was me, with the sun directly in front of me casting no rays, as if providing a natural tunnel vision, inviting me to chase it down highway 96 before it set for another night.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We reached Dighton planning to camp, but met a very nice man from Israel, Yoram, who was staying at the hotel in town for only $50. After 97 miles of riding and more elevation than we have been used to the past few days, Mike and I agreed to split yet another hotel room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The hotel was a gorgeous 99 year old two story building, the sky scraper of the town. The owner does all the maintenance on his own and his biggest clientele, us cyclist! He meets pretty much everyone who rides the Transam.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I jumped out bed around 2 AM at the sound of the loudest thunder I have ever heard. I thought the whole town collapsed. But there I remain safely in my own bed with Mike in his. I was told about Kansas thunderstorms and there was my first meeting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mike and I rolled lazily out of our freezing room around 9:30 and went to the same diner we ate at for dinner and ordered the same breakfast platter from the same lovely waitress, Megan/Meghan/Meighan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Day 39 will be nice and short. Less than 50 miles to Leoti where our warm showers host is not in town but has left her door open for any and all cyclist to come and go as they please. The only condition is to leave the place <i>cleaner</i> than you found it. We can do that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We received massive tailwinds today and average over 15 MPH. It would have been a good day to go further, but we had a place to stay and have the next few days planned out with places to stay as well so we're sticking to that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was light on Snapchat and taking pictures today because Kansas is now becoming redundant. Still beautiful, but just the same. We will be in Colorado tomorrow and in Pueblo in 3 days. Apparently Colorado doesn't look like Colorado until after Pueblo, so until than it's more Kansas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">David (who we met yesterday) was told there is a fair in Leoti tonight and that it is a, "genuine Kansas experience," with fried everything, a rodeo and $0.25 rides! Stay tuned on snapchat for some good Kansas fun. I need to run to the ATM!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-58790994675729636482016-07-28T13:44:00.000-07:002016-07-28T14:28:16.589-07:00Day 37: Sunflower Fields Will Make Anyone Happy!<strong>Hutchinson, KS to Larned KS</strong>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 80.4</strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 2,285.4</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Average MPH: 14.2</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Elevation: 593 ft</strong></span>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2hOx4H9ZQw">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 37</a>
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As you may have noticed, a slight change to my statistics up there. I swapped out total ride time for average MPH and the day's elevation. I figure it's more interesting.
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I woke up to the smell of eggs one the stove and fresh pot of coffee. Mike uncharactistcally is up first! And putting in work at that. He makes a mean scrambled egg. The coffee was great too, I had three cups. The leftovers went into a spare water bottle (Ryan's move) for emergency pick me ups.
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We rode over to Wal-Mart to stock up on our usual: a few Mios, a 2 foot sandwich and a 6 pack of cliff bars. Then we were off to Larned. Is it said like larnd or lar-ned? Not sure even the locals knew.
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On today's ride it goes without saying, the sunflowers were my favorite part. The contrast of their own yellow pedals to their green leafs to the blue sky made for a breathtaking moment as we rode past for quarter of a mile. Also I finally finished my giant pack of sun flower seeds that I brought on day one. I have been snapping them open all trip, it's nice to finally see their result.
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I was feeling very good this morning so I was cruising on ahead of Mike. We typically stop around Mike 30-40 for lunch which was approaching so I started to turn around to look for Mike. He was too far behind and you can't see very tiny things that are far away in your review mirror so I would turn my neck and swerve my bike to get a better look behind me. This is not a problem since we essentailly have two full lanes to work with, but I got lazy.
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I swerved too far left, both wheels fell off the 2 inch edge of the road and I tried to correct myself quickly. My front wheel got back up on the road but my rear wheel dragged and spun out underneath me essentially causing me to do a feet first baseball slide with a bike between my legs.
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My feet naturally unclipped from the pedals and I was standing before I even thought to. Luckily I was not going fast because I was slowing down for Mike anyway, so I escaped with almost no injury but a scratch on my ankle the size of a dime. My handlebar also bent in a little, but that just took a little muscle to straighten it back out. Jasper fared a little worse with bigger scratches and torn handlebar tape, but still 100% functional like me!
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After sliding safe into third, I had some adrenalin going but settled down after a mile and we took our lunch break at a county line.
The one thing we did not remember to grab at Wal-mart was extra water. As Kansas continues to be beautiful, it's a double edge sword as there is nowhere to "refuel" for miles and not even any shade to enjoy lunch in.
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At the county line we spotted a house with a beautiful tree in the front yard. As things seem to go on this trip, our timing was impeccable. The owner was just pulling out, so we asked if we could eat under his tree. He told us to go up on his porch where there were chairs and a table.
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Only minutes later did he turn back into the driveway to bring us inside for re-up on ice and water! No surprise there, people are amazing.
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The rest of the ride was easy and flat to Larned. Mike and I met a cool father son duo at Subway (oh yeah that's another best friend). The son, David, moved to Brooklyn less than 2 years ago and started the <a href="http://meetup.com/NYC-Adventure-Cycling-Club/">NYC Adventure Cycling Club</a> because there was nothing else like it around. Starting their first trip with only 12 guys, they now have over 500 members. Half of those members are female, which is awesome. He said they do more drinking than riding sometimes, but to me, that is all the better. It will be fun to check that out once I am home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marion and David</td></tr>
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We made our way down to the Pavillion by the town pool. We were even able to jump in the pool 5 minutes before it closed. It was nice and cool and we launched some flips off the diving board. Maybe we made it nice and cool.... HA!
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We met 4 more cyclist down at the pavilion. Two were a couple from Canada (originally Bulgaria). A lovely couple enjoying Keystone Light tall boys. The other two coming all the way from the Florida Keys! It is always cool to hear where people are coming from and how long they have been on the road.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian-Bulgarians</td>
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Mike and I ended up leaving that Pavillion because it was next to a pond and ducks which results in bugs. Turns out bugs are everywhere! We held out setting up tents and opted for sleeping on the park benches in our sleeping bags as we usually do. Finally at midnight we both were on the verge of sleep, but my hand got bitten on my pinky, middle finger, pointer finger and knuckle and I think the same for Mike.
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We ended up setting up our tents and fell asleep almost immediately. That is after the high schoolers left the park to chase a Pokemon down the street.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-51035707205456117642016-07-27T18:53:00.000-07:002016-07-27T18:59:13.834-07:00Day 36: Fly Away, Ryan!<strong>
Wichita, KS to Hutchinson, KS</strong>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 64</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 2,205</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily ride time: 4:38:03</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total ride time: 7 days 19:57:14</strong></span>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Me6Z69rdQk">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 36</a>
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We shared our final meal together in Barry and Nancy Carroll's dining room watching<em> I, Robot</em> (so dumb) through the doorway to the living room, expressed our best wishes for a goodnights sleep, and went to bed.
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Ryan was up early to go to a bike shop (at which he got half-off a bib and a free jersey, nobody is surprised) so Mike and I enjoyed breakfast in the company of Nancy. Another great spread of eggs, bacon and the neighbor's homemade cinnabons. Probably the best I ever had.
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Barry was also up and out early so we didn't get to say a proper goodbye, but I think he knows how wonderful he and Nancy made our stay and how much we appreciate it.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squad</td>
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Mike and I made sure Ryan was full of water and had all his snacks prepped for his 80 miles ride. We then hugged and said our farewells. Or better to say we said, "See you later."
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Until we realized we could ride two blocks together one last time before Ryan went South and Mike and I went North toward Newton and ultimately Hutchinson.
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No amount of cliché's would be appropriate for Ryan's farewell. Instead we sung goodbye to Ryan as he turned left and we right.
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<img alt="" data-json="" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKHV_AR_iZSqdlUHODhFe5f9UM74qCMRVSRaixfDCe2AssSa144BnnTMuplQ-7LzNWTYhl2p4PS1PDETMI9sFE2LneYjNirvzSRqJtukjg8a06UQ1ge3aC1H-_D2-AczNwgvz9cE89q1b//" title="Ryan" width="421" /></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan sings "bye"</td>
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Mike and I were going to head northwest back onto the Transam but were told by Al Bundy (first tourer I met on day 2 snacking on the side of the road) via Strava to check out Newton Bike Shop. Nancy agreed and said it is the Mecca of Transam Bike Shops and we can sign their wall! Sweet, we're in!
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So we made the easy 24 mile, no hills, trip directly North of Wichita. Of course, they are closed for two weeks or so for renovation. So I slipped my sticker in their mailbox with a note on the back saying I was sorry to miss them but to slap this on the wall for me.
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The rest of the day was incredible! This was the typical Kansas scene I picture in my head. Corn on the left, corn on the right, straight line of road forever, and a million clouds. It was beautiful!
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One of the reason this day was so incredible was because our total elevation for the day was 537 feet in 64 miles! It's like riding down the Hudson River back in NYC! Haha!
To give you prespective, a typical day of riding has been anywhere from 2,500 to 4,500 feet of climbing. An extreme day is over 5,000 feet. That is almost a mile going straight up! So 537 is so flat and so nice on the legs.<br />
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The second reason was that I don't think the temperature went over 82 today. And with all that cloud cover and low humidity... You could just about say it was a cool day to ride.
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The third and final reason being: Mike found a number for a bicyclist only hostel in Hutchinson at lunch. The Zion Luteran Church. There is nothing better than knowing at the very least you will have a roof over your head and running water for the morning.
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Upon arrival we found two beds (perfect), 5 fridges full of mostly dessert which included plenty of vanilla ice cream (YAS), a shower (ahhhh), AC (OH BABY), fresh coffee ready to be made (GEWWW) and a piano for Mike to jam out on (WOOOOO). Need I say more?<br />
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Above my bed I noticed there were many notes from past cyclist labeled either E -> W or W -> E. Of course I read all the east to west notes and got some great info on the upcoming towns on the Transam. What hostels to seek out, warm showers hosts to contact and a few camp grounds in Colorado that are too beautiful to pass up.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry, there were clean bed sheets for use</td>
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The only reason this day isn't perfect is because we just said bye to Ryan. But the Swallow must continue it's migration, and I couldn't be happier to be apart of it.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan's tats</td>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-42712616191157915792016-07-24T11:36:00.000-07:002016-07-28T14:29:12.273-07:00Days 32, 33 & 34: I hope this trip never ends! I Love Kansas!!<strong>Springfield, MO to Carthage, MO to Fredonia, KS to Wichita, KS</strong>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Mileages: 64.2 + 107.3 + 92.0 =263.5</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 2,141</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day Ride Time: 5:32:14 + 8:41:24 + 7:29:26 = 20:43:04</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> Total Ride Time: 7 days 15:19:11</strong></span>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPjDM1jLsT8">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 32</a>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAHA18J4L7k">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 33</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY7y7j1Us78">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 34</a>
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Root canal complete. Root canal success. The only pain that will remain in this trip is in my legs and or butt! Ah, and my left pinky is basically permanently numb.
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Ryan, Mike and I rode casually out of Springfield down Route 66 and were presently surprised to see signs that showed a picture of a bicycle followed by, "May use full lane." Definitely one of our favorite bicycle signs we've seen and it would set the tone for tomorrow's ride.
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Day 32 was an easy 64 mile day to Carthage, MO. Our first ride under 70 miles since we arrived in Nashville. Not to be mislead, we rode a short day to a town where we found a cheap motel so we could rest up for an inevitable century ride (100 miles).
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Route 66 was relatively uneventful, but it was hot and I was exhausted from my early rise and sitting through a root canal. I was not feeling it today, but like always, I just kept pedaling through the hills.
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There was lots of scripture to read on the side of the roads though. There was either a giant billboard or multiple smaller signs reading out a passage from the bible. I even rode past the entire "Our Father" for a quarter of a mile. It was a nice time for self reflection, though I am not entirely a religious man.<br />
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We found a classic Midwest bar called Bernie's filled with 4 locals drinking Busch Lights and talking about... politics... At 3 in the afternoon.
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They also filled us in on where to eat and what to see in Carthage. Apparently the city hall has marble in it that is only in Carthage and Italy. I gotta call bull on that one. The Freedom Tower is filled with tons of marble straight from Italy.
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We rode the rest of the way through Route 66 into Ferdonia when I realized I was in Jasper County!
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We made it to our motel, stuffed our faces at a Chinese buffet, ate ice cream, had a laughing fit and a great night sleep in an air conditioned room.
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It may sound like we are wussy-ing out by staying in all these motels, but there is almost no other option. Not just the pain of riding through 100 degree days, but the nights only get down to 80s and the humidity doesn't dissipate so laying in a tent is like laying in a sauna. It makes sleeping impossible and we would not be able to complete these long mileage days without a good nights sleep. So for now, motels are the way to go. Not to mention, between the three of us, the cost is almost the same as a camp grounds. Win win.
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Wakey wakey, it's time for a century ride!</div>
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Complimentary breakfasts' are our best friend. So that puts my inanimate best friend list at: ice cream, Gatorade, air conditioning, ice and complimentary breakfasts. I hope I didn't leave someone out.</div>
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We stuffed our faces with 3 sausage patties and 4 egg "slices" inside a folded waffle. Good night sleep plus a huge breakfast is the recipe for a century... Times coffee, times coffee, times coffee.</div>
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Today was the perfect day for a century ride and as I like to call it, an LSD. Long Slow Distance. We were accompanied by low traffic and wide open roads which allowed us to ride next to each other and talk and tell stories.</div>
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This is the best way to ride! We would talk and talk and be so distracted that before you know it 10 miles down, 20 miles down and so on.</div>
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<td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsKfSvgCKbzSm67bkXpFAvPM6IrREaS6oraQLauhyPYG4MyFbgrq2O7UNVdkTVb_74_iaZaq3bX3pdzqwsTy3-xsQnlrie1LO7txZd43XgvOMXF4I409OxCktl3ECX5qjKEPgVreo8QCt//" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsKfSvgCKbzSm67bkXpFAvPM6IrREaS6oraQLauhyPYG4MyFbgrq2O7UNVdkTVb_74_iaZaq3bX3pdzqwsTy3-xsQnlrie1LO7txZd43XgvOMXF4I409OxCktl3ECX5qjKEPgVreo8QCt//" title="Different terrains help mix it up too!" width="500" /></a></td>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Different terrains help mix it up too!</td>
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Then, without questions, we saw one of the most amazing feats in the world. Dogs barking no longer worry us, so when we hear a bark or two, we casually turn our heads to check out what type of dog is making all that noise. There were two dogs stuffed up against the property fence howling to play and run with us. Then at once, one of the dogs leaps up and over the 4 foot fence with no running start. Just pounced as if he/she stepped on a loaded spring. It was a miracle and it caused me to hysterically laugh on my bike I almost lost control.</div>
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Still telling stories we rode on into Kansas for my 10th state of the trip!!!</div>
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Kansas is definitely flat. Flat relative to the mountains and hills we have been through. But crossing a state boarder, there is always a gradual change from the one state's landscapes to the next. So this isn't to say Western Missouri wasn't very flat as well, but also I am expecting even flatter Kansas.</div>
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Finally with 77 miles down we reached our 30 mile countdown to the Ferdonia Inn, about 2.5 hours.</div>
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We were all exhausted and personally my legs were shot. So to make the final miles fly by, we played games consisting of "What can go under the UMbrella?" And "Green Glass Door" and 20 questions.</div>
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Without the help and company of Mike and Ryan I would have never finished a ride like this. But then again without them, I definitely would not have attempted it. Really the whole reason for this long ride was so Ryan could get to Wichita at a reasonable hour tomorrow so he could get his 4th Swallow tattoo. They trucked it through Missouri so I could get to my endodontists appointment, so it was only fair to push through with them to Wichita. We are a team, team never dry, and ducks fly together.</div>
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Upon reaching Ferdonia Inn, I examined Jasper only to find another broken spoke. COME ON!!!!!!! I removed the broken spoke, loosened my breaks so the wheel wouldn't rub and hit the hay.</div>
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Day 34: Get to Wichita! Only 87 miles? It's not 100, so this should be easy. Haha!</div>
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I woke up way less sore than I thought I would have. It must have been the massive Mexican dinner and 32 oz margarita.</div>
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Ryan took off early to get to Wichita for his tattoo. Mike and I rode off together around 9:30 and chose the method of conversation to take us through the first third of the day. </div>
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We talked about baseball and girls. We laughed and sympathized with each other as we shared stories of high school, college and beyond; stories that have shaped the men we have become. </div>
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Mike, Ryan and I have grown to become very good friends over the last 3 weeks. That is bound to happen when you are with each other 24/7, share a bed and butt butter, can relate on a lot of other personal levels, but most importantly, burst out in songs just about every 20 seconds of the trip.</div>
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It will be very sad to say goodbye to Ryan tomorrow. He is heading south toward LA and Mike and I will continue west to Colorado. I really look forward to reuniting with him in October when I return.</div>
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Back to the riding. Kansas is gorgeous. I have heard a lot of hate toward Kansas, but come on... I have never seen such expansive land and open skies. This blows those Kentucky skies I had mentioned previously out of the water. </div>
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There was a brief moment on route 400 where I was climbing a hill and was able to see far out on all sides of me and felt so at peace. I took a deep breath and thought, "I hope this trip never ends."</div>
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I currently can't imagine returning to NYC and running through the daily 8-5 work day waiting for Friday at 5 for a brief two days of freedom. This is too serene. This is too peaceful. This is too perfect.</div>
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For some reason, in preparation for this trip I would imagine riding through Kansas a lot. I figured I would want to rush through it to Colorado. Kansas is nothing what I pictured and I definitely did not expect such a feeling of serenity. I could not be happier to be ahead of schedule and can now slow down and enjoy the rest of the country.</div>
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With 30 miles left for day 34 (that 30 mile countdown is a reoccurring theme) I check my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/warmshowers.org">Warm Showers</a> app and got two responses. I opted to accept Barry and Nancy's offer to host because their profile explained they have done some of their own bicycle touring. Also Barry founded the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/bikewalkwichita.org">Bike Walk Wichita Inc.,</a> a non-profit biking/walking advocacy group that works to improving paths, trails and streets for cycling and walking. Basically a no brainier.</div>
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We arrived at Barry and Nancy's and parked our bikes in their garage which was home to dozens of bicycles and one tandem. Nancy was cooking spaghetti and after my shower I helped shuck corn.</div>
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Barry and Nancy are so friendly and nice. Their daughter, Michelle, lives next door and joined us for dinner and story telling. It was so special to sit around a table and enjoy a home cooked meal with some great people again.</div>
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After dinner and home made peach cobbler (peaches straight from Georgia) they took us to downtown Wichita known as Old Town for a live cover band, a few drinks and dancing.</div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of the bar, Brickyard</td>
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Barry poured on some history of the area on our way there which was so cool to hear about. One of the main streets and areas, Delano, was the old Wild West red light district. You could imagine the dirt roads and swinging doors with drunk Cowboys falling in and out.</div>
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We can't say thank you enough to Barry, Nancy and everyone who has taken us in through this trip. It makes a bad day good. If we're tired after 90 miles, we are immediately perked up by the good spirits of our hosts. They are kind enough to let us take a day off Sunday, day 35, and spend another night.</div>
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Barry also is friends with a bike mechanic, Terry, a few doors down. Once again, I got lucky to run into a bike mechanic the day after me finding my spoke(s) broken. All bike shops are closed Sunday, so Terry was a life saver!</div>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barry and Nancy's Door!</td>
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Wichita is a gorgeous city. Don't let anyone dissuade you. This also puts us halfway across the country!!! Though it is a few hundred miles short of my halfway point. 34 days down with 69 days available.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-46220721096612678412016-07-20T18:06:00.000-07:002016-07-20T18:18:02.522-07:00Days 29, 30 and 31: 3 Days for 277.5 Miles!!!!<strong>Cape Girardeau, MO to Piedmont, MO to Houston, MO to Springfield, MO</strong>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 day mileage: 84.2 + 94.6 + 98.7 = 277.5</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total mileage: 1,877.5</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>3 Day ride time: 6:36:07 + 8:16:21 + 7:56:16 = 22:48:44</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total ride time: 6 days 20:36:07</strong></span>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKphCkSuVkw">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 29</a>
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Msquared Velo Snapchat Day 30 (aw no it didn't save)<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXuOVkTokoE">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 31</a>
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It has been three days since a post and I am so exhausted. I will apologize now for lacking pictures. I usually pull them from snapchat, but I lost day 30. <br />
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Not only have we been riding through a major heat waves of tempuratures reaching over 100 degrees and 80% humidity, but as you can see, the last three days have been loooooong days. Today was especially long because the cavity I got filled in Nashville now hurts enough to have me booking an appointment to see an endodontist for a potential root canal. So I (we, Ryan and Mike are still on their way here and were kind enough to join me for the long trip) had to get to Springfield, MO for this appointment.<br />
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I don't even care... I have been having terrible tooth pain. Pain so bad that early yesterday I was cursing and asking God or the cows or whoever would listen, "WHY NOW!!!! WHY NOT 2 MONTHS AGO OR IN TWO MONTHS!!! WHY OH WHY?!?!"
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If it fixes the tooth pain I've been having, it will relieve me of the only stress I have been feeling throughout the last few weeks of this trip. That's right, even cycling over 275 miles in 3 days wasn't stressful! I am having a blast!<br />
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Day 29 was a very solid day. I felt great after another post 10 mile McDonald's breakfast and ice coffee. We LOADED up on water and power aid to avoid what happened Day 28 and made it through pre Ozark Mountains.
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We camped at gorgeous Beaver Springs Campground. It reminded me of a festival I went to a few summers ago called Electric Forest in Michigan. I felt naturally comfortable. Also, they had a pool which we all enjoyed and allowed us to bring our body tempuratures down so we wouldn't be sweating in our tents all night. One of the better nights in a tent I have had despite the nighttime heat and humidity.
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We woke up early and headed out into the fog... And into the Ozark Mountains. <br />
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Mountains...? Psh these are hills!!
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Ok don't get me wrong it was a struggle and it was freaking HOT! Also we got so accustomed to the lazy hills to and from Nashville that the Ozark's were a nice reminder that the Rockies are still to come.
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We got through 75 miles to Summerville which was our intended stop. But during our late lunch I was looking up endodontists and found my best bet was to make it to Springfield for a 7 AM appointment Thursday morning. That would be around 120 miles from Summerville. Not my tempo.
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I was trailing Mike and Ryan as we approached Summerville and I pulled into the gas station to find only Mike. We always stop at gas stations to regroup, especially when we don't know where we are staying that night. With no sign of Ryan and no service we assumed Ryan continued on toward Houston since I mentioned to Ryan I needed to get to Springfield Wednesday night. Mike and I thought that was a reasonable assumption since Ryan is always ahead of us by a a mile or two by the end of the day. Mike was down to add 23-ish miles to our 75 as he was feeling good and it was only 5:30 PM. Assuming Ryan continued on, so did we.
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5 miles down the road we finally got service and a text from Ryan saying he was in a room at... Some place in Summerville. He didn't pay yet so we told him to meet us, but we said we were camping in a park and Ryan opted for air conditioned room. Smart move, but a move I couldn't make regardless. I wasn't riding 120 tomorrow.
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The rest of that ride was a breeze and I met Mike at the park. There was a bathroom, water and outlets, but that was all. It was still so hot and no pool to cool our bodies down in.
We hopped into our tents around 9 PM and I was dripping beads of sweat from every one of my pours. Kind of like when I'm on the bike, but then it's acceptable.
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I thought as the night cooled and I remained still with my water bottle on my face I would cool down too. That was not the case. The sweat piled on...
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Then 10:30 came and some kids around high school age decided to turn the lights on right next to the Pavillion and play volleyball! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!! I was trying to sleep so I could ride 90 miles tomorrow. I think I eventually managed to sleep a little but I heard Mike wrestle around at 12:30 and lay on the picnic table outside his tent.
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I did the same and it proved to be a hell of a lot cooler. Mike then informed me, he wasn't able to sleep, so he joined the guys in volleyball. That cracked me up... With a brief smile on my face, I finally knocked out.
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Day 31 I left before Mike and, of course, Ryan was around 23 miles behind. I was up at 5:30 AM, ready to go at 6:30 and (went to McDonald's for ice coffee at 7 and was on the road by 7:10.<br />
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I absolutely dominated Day 31. Almost 100 miles and I hardly noticed. I definitely had a mean determination to make it to Springfield with time to write this blog, put my feet up and enjoy the night before my potential root canal. Of course knowing I was getting a room at a Best Western made it all the sweeter. Thanks again, Dad!
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Oh yeah... I almost forgot about this because as I said on my way out of Blacksburg, VA (shoutout Halkidis crew!), "You can't let one asshole ruin your day... Unless of course to your asshole, and it won't stop itching."
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So, I am pulling out of LJD's Cafe in Hartville (which was lovely) and I am clipping into my pedals. As I am doing this a very old pick up truck is coming in my direction taking a left into the the driveway in front of me to my right. Since it is a very old truck there was no blinker, but I noticed he was turning so I stopped a tad later than I would have had I known he was turning and unclipped my shoes. <br />
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At this moment he slammed on his brakes and inside his truck shouted a serious amount of obscenities in under 2 seconds. I heard it all because his window was down. He waved me on through his screams, so I clipped back in, looked back up to meet his eyes and said, "sorry I was letting you go..." But before I could finish he furrowed his brow and screamed even louder, "DON'T BACK TALK TO ME MOTHER FUCKER, THIS IS REDNECK TERRITORY!"<br />
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Well sir, you have made that very clear. Just settling into that stereotype nicely. <br />
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I honestly laughed it off. I haven't been called a mother fucker ever, let alone with such fury and for almost no reason. This is a funny story to tell after my last post, but this one of those rare situations of people who hate cyclist and probably life too. What are you gonna do? All itchy assholes are forgotten before you even realize it isn't itchy anymore.
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Anyway, as I said, I almost forgot about this because the rest of the ride was so much fun. I finished my 27 hour audio book. I loved it and it's a trilogy so it was not as satisfying of an ending as I would have hoped for... But I'm hooked and I'll have to download the other two. It is a fiction called <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Name of the Wind</span> by Patrick Rothfuss. Sort of like middle earth type stuff.<br />
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I rode past a bunch of Amish today too. Very friendly people. Sorry for putting your horses out of business with my bicycle.<br />
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Yadda yadda yadda, 99 miles later I got to the Best Western around 4:30 PM and made myself an ice bath. It was glorious. My plan worked out. I got here nice and early and have been loving the relaxation. <br />
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I loved riding alone today. It is great having Mike and Ryan to hang with and especially to ride with. But a day to yourself, at your own pace with your own thoughts is necessary once in a while. A sort of meditation. <br />
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Cross your fingers for my root canal tomorrow. Or maybe I won't have one at all... But like I said at this point, I hope it is the problem and the solution to my tooth pain so I can move past this and enjoy the rest of the trip!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818254430809793961.post-8875193016031319322016-07-18T06:38:00.000-07:002016-07-18T06:48:43.347-07:00Day 28: Crossing the Mississippi River Like Lewis and Clark... They had bicycles right?<strong>Paducah, KY (through Southern Illinois) to Cape Girardeau, MO</strong>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong><br /></strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Mileage: 72.0</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Mileage: 1,599.7</strong></span>
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Daily Ride Time: 5:37:05</strong></span>
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<span style="color: #000fff;"><strong>Total Ride Time: 5 days 21:47:23</strong></span>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL6PotZ-pds">MSquared Velo Snapchat Day 28</a>
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Alriiiiiight. Someone is posting after only a days ride! And what a day it was!<br />
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We left our motel bright and early (for us) at around 8 AM and rode on a metal grated bridge over the Ohio River into Illinois, my 8th state. The bridge is an old truss bridge that was skinny and baby blue... I like it, it had character, not unlike the three of us.
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We continued 10 miles to McDonald's for the most important meal of the day... Dollar coffee. After spending too much time there we headed out for the next 90 miles with full water bottles.
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We were straight crushing through the first 35 miles of Illinois. The farms are getting bigger and the land is getting flatter. Among the many new and giant tractor things we saw today, we spotted a helicopter in the distance flying really low to the ground. Thinking nothing of it we rode on. As we neared we saw the same helicopter take a drastic 180 degree turn and look like it crashed just below the tree line. We freaked out and sprinted towards it, but we weren't seeing any smoke... That is when we saw the helicopter darting across the corn fields spraying fertilizer. Just another routine day in this guys life whipping his heli around... Farming... (See snap chat for the video).
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We hit the 45 mile mark and made a pit stop. Of course, it being Sunday, everything is closed and there was not a gas station in sight. We grabbed some soda from a vending machine but really needed to fill up a few empty water bottles. Unfortunely no luck. We pressed onward.
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Now I could spend the rest of this blog telling you about how we got lost in a maze of gravel roads (thanks google (we're still off the Transam route)) and struggled our asses off with almost no water or shade in the high heat and humidity of Southern Illinois. Instead I'd like to fast forward to the important stuff.
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We made it across the Mississippi without a drop of water left and entered Cape Girardeau, Missouri; my 9th state.
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We also made it to a restaurant, chugged six 30 oz glasses of water and had some Po' boy sandwiches, fried cod and a mound of bacon cheese fries. Oh and of course ice cream. Happy National Ice Cream Day. My new favorite day!<br />
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This is the stuff you've heard a few times before. We bike and we eat, it's what we do.
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What I want to emphasize is that once again, the people of this country are more kind than I can get a grip on.
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It is important, when doing a trip like this, to talk to everyone because that is when you experience real moments with real people. It is also important to trust your judgment and gut. Like last night in choosing to pay for a motel when we may have been able to find a Pavillion to stay under. We just did not feel comfortable, and that is okay!<br />
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But just like two nights ago, day 26, we reached our destination and loved the town; a small college town, home of the Southern Missouri State University Lions. So we went hunting for our newest pavilion.
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We found a gorgeous spot right on the Mississippi River and were hopeful we could stay here peacefully and watch the sunrise over the river in the morning. The sunset was already casting a beautiful glow over the ripples of the water.
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However, Mike saw a sign that said no camping so, at 7:30 we started making our best efforts for a new site. This included calling the sheriff and local fire department for any advise. As Mike did that, Ryan was speaking with a man named Dennis casually walking his dog along the river. As all conversations lead to our travel plans, Ryan mentioned we were looking for a new spot to camp and what do you know... Just like two nights ago, Dennis invites us to stay at his home only a few blocks away.
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Always a little hesitant, we made our way to his house to at least see what we had in store for us. Upon turning into his driveway we met his wife Karen who was open arms immediately.
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Still unsure of our accommodations we all parked our bikes in their garage and lugged all our stuff into their home, sleeping bags too.
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Dennis and Karen showed us the basement which included one futon and two pull out beds, pointed us to a shower, washer and dryer and then brought us back upstairs for tuna salad sandwiches, every single slice of fruit in their fridge, soda, chips and cottage cheese. Karen, like most hosts, apologize for their quarters, but this gorgeous house built in 1905 is another beautiful memory to add to this story.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketch of Karen and Dennis house built in 1905</td>
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Even after a grueling hot day when we wanted to travel 100 miles, but got bogged down and stuck at 70, Mike, Ryan and I continue to present ourselves with a smile and cheerfulness and that is exactly what we receive back every time. No, not just here in the middle of the country but it has been happening since day 1 when I was crossing the West River from Manhattan to New Jersey.
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Despite the fact that what we are doing is unique, it is so obvious that people are happy to share a meaningful conversation with one another every day. I can't speak for everyone, but I feel we sometimes, or a lot of times, find ourselves rushing to mark off the next item in our checklist or bury ourselves in our living room to binge watch <em>The Office... </em>Or don't even get me started with PokemonGo. Each day there is so much time to slow down and talk to the person next to you and share a smile with them. I bet sharing a simple moment like that could change their day, and I can guarantee you will both remember it the next day. Maybe not the words, but definitely where you were and how it made you feel.
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dennis and Karen</td>
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Ok, ok... So this is the cliché post. Dennis and Karen are the straw that broke my back. But it has been everyone up to this point who has been so willing to free up a night of their lives or even a minute in their time to make Ryan, Mike and me feel comfortable or even just to return that smile. The people have made this trip worth taking even if all I saw was corn for the rest of the way.
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Dennis took us in without a second thought and showed up at his home to his wife with us three towing behind. There was no hesitation from Karen either as she showered us with food and kindness ruining any plans they had for their Sunday evening. Before this trip I couldn't imagine anyone doing this.<br />
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With all the hate and murder we see on the news, I think this is the perfect reminder that there are millions of wonderful, warm hearted people out there ready to share a smile.
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Speaking of all this goodness, if you have been enjoying my blog or snapchats, please show your support by donating to the Alzheimer's Association through the link at the top of the page. This ride is in honor of my grandmother who suffered from the disease, someone who I was never able to share enough of my smiles with. Any amount, even a dollar means a lot to me. 100% of your donation goes straight to Alzheimer's research, support and awareness.
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A special thanks to all of you who have already donated. I really do mean it when I tell you it means a lot to me and my family too. If you have not seen a personal email from me, expect one soon, I am doing my best to keep up, but want to make sure your are properly thanked!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17267600942828333666noreply@blogger.com1